Rawalpindi waterlogging: Implement polythene law

Rawalpindi : Just a few hours of rain prove that citizens go through painful sufferings as Rawalpindi city planning is not good and the drainage system is not up to the mark. This is not the first instance of Rawalpindi going underwater in heavy downpours; however, the concerned authority is not taking any effective and sustainable steps to this end.

“The district administration spent billions of rupees to address the city’s waterlogging problem. It spent billions of rupees to mitigate the waterlogging crisis. All this spending did little to free the city dwellers from waterlogging,” says Saim Ali. “When it rained I found broken down vehicles motionless on deluged roads in the city. The situation had turned so bad that the Wasa and the district administration requested the city dwellers to set out with sufficient time in hand to reach their destinations,” says Abis Raza.

“On Saturday, Kutchery area received 102mm of rain in four hours. Most of the streets and alleyways of the city drowned in the downpour while houses and businesses went underwater. Although the rain subsided, many areas remained underwater, even until the next morning,” says Haani Abbas.

“Heavy rain inundated lowland areas of the city pushing people to spend the rest of the day clearing rainwater from their houses and shops,” adds Haani.

“The Meteorological Department had announced heavy rainfall triggering flash floods in nullahs in Rawalpindi. Waterlogging can take place in any city in case of heavy downpour. However, there should be a proper drainage system,” says Mukhtar Haider.

“Rain spell exposed the tall claims of Chaklala Cantonment Board, Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB), and the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation that there would be no waterlogging in the city anymore. However Iqbal Road, Sabzi Mandi, Moti Bazaar, Kattarian, Gawalmandi, Allahabad, Misrial Road, Tench Bhatta, etc. experienced inundation,” says Muhammad Adeel. “We have heard many assurances and commitments from officials dealing with waterlogging. However, that will not solve the problem. Bypassing the main problem and slipshod activities will not reduce the waterlogging,” says Batool-e-Izra.

“Drains should be kept free from encroachment and drainage system should undergo improvement. The main reason behind flooding in the city is the production and use of polythene and plastic, which are extremely harmful to the environment. The government does not have to make a new law to fight the polythene menace. It can at least implement the law passed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz banning polythene shopping bags,” says Rida Zainab.

Fasiha Zaidi says, “Besides the government, the citizens too have responsibilities about this problem. If the citizens continue to litter everywhere, then just as the drainage system of their areas becomes ineffective, the drains will also turn into garbage dumps. When will the residents of the city understand what is good and what is bad for them?”