Rawalpindi plans dredging of Leh Nullah ahead of monsoon

The district administration in Rawalpindi has prepared a comprehensive plan to dredge Leh Nullah and remove encroachments along drainage channels in an effort to prevent flooding in Leh Nullah and the Soan River during the upcoming monsoon season.

According to a senior district official, 19 vulnerable locations have been identified along Leh Nullah and the Soan River where preventive work will begin next month. These include areas such as Kattarian, Bangash Colony, Ziaul Haq Colony, Boring Road, Dhoke Naju, Dhoke Dalal, Pirwadhai, Dhoke Hassu, Hazara Colony, Dhoke Ratta, Gawalmandi, Dhoke Ellahi Bux, Javed Colony, Nadeem Colony, Bakramandi, Tench Bhatta, Range Road, and Sharoon Colony.

The official said that responsibilities have been assigned to relevant civic bodies, and duty rosters have been issued to ensure monitoring and coordination. Multiple agencies including the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), Rawalpindi Waste Management Company (RWMC), Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC), Rescue 1122, and Civil Defence will take part in the operation.

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WASA will carry out dredging of Leh Nullah, while RWMC and RMC will clean roadside drains and 11 major nullahs. The district administration aims to complete all cleaning and maintenance work by the end of May.

A ban has already been imposed on dumping solid waste and construction material into drains and nullahs to prevent blockages. Authorities have also directed the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation and Rawalpindi Development Authority to survey their respective areas and remove permanent encroachments before the start of the summer season.

Cleaning responsibilities for Leh Nullah in cantonment areas have been assigned to the Rawalpindi and Chaklala Cantonment Boards, with improved coordination planned to ensure timely completion of work.

A meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema reviewed flood preparedness, including staff availability, machinery, coordination among departments, identification of low-lying areas, and establishment of relief camps.

Officials were directed to maintain continuous monitoring of rivers and streams and ensure readiness of rescue equipment and manpower. Authorities emphasized that all available resources will be used to protect lives and property, and no negligence will be tolerated.