Flood risk churns Leh waters

The flood season for the 18-kilometre-long Nullah Leh and 15 seasonal streams, which wreak havoc across the city every monsoon, will begin on Monday, June 15, and continue until August 15. Despite the start of the flood season, desilting and removal of garbage and building material from Nullah Leh and the 15 seasonal streams have not been completed, raising fears of another destructive flood this year. Residents living along Nullah Leh and the seasonal streams have started relocating due to these fears, while many have shifted their valuables to safer places. Although Rs80 million has been allocated for desilting, even 15 per cent of the work has not been completed. Nullah Leh originates from the Margalla Hills of Islamabad. Until 1950, it was a clear stream whose water was used for drinking. Women washed clothes and bathed along its banks, while members of the Hindu community immersed ashes there after cremations. Dhobi ghats existed at several points along its banks. Historical accounts suggest that Alexander the Great's army camped beside the stream because of its clear water, while Aryan tribes remained settled in the area for 80 years. Arya Mohalla still exists alongside the nullah. When Islamabad was developed as the capital during Ayub Khan's era, the stream gradually became contaminated by sewage and has now turned into a foul-smelling drain. So far, 17 major and minor floods have struck Nullah Leh, resulting in 210 deaths and the loss of 2,500 animals, including cows, buffaloes, goats, dogs and cats. The most devastating flood occurred on July 23, 2001, claiming 81 lives. Half the city was submerged under 10 to 20 feet of water, while two-storey houses in nearby areas were inundated. One flood occurred during Ayub Khan's era, one during Yahya Khan's, three during Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's tenure, three during General Ziaul Haq's rule, three during Pervez Musharraf's period, two each during the governments of Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, one during Imran Khan's government and two during the current government. The July 23, 2001 flood caused losses of Rs7 billion to traders and another Rs2 billion worth of losses to citizens. For flood monitoring, two critical points have been designated on Nullah Leh. The danger level at Katarian is 18 feet, while at Gawalmandi it is 17 feet. A year ago, the flood early warning system installed on the nullah was stolen and had to be replaced. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema said preparations to deal with flooding had been completed. The Triple One Brigade will remain on full red alert during the flood season. Personnel from rescue agencies, Civil Defence and Rescue 1122 will undergo full-dress rehearsals at Rawal Dam to rescue stranded citizens, with army personnel also participating. To cope with power outages during floods, Civil Defence volunteers will be provided special hand-operated siren devices. These will be placed in special Civil Defence wards established in flood-prone areas. Five relief camps will be set up at Islamia Higher Secondary School No.1 on Murree Road, Islamia High School Liaquat Road near Liaquat Bagh, Girls School New Katarian, Girls School Dhoke Hassu, Girls School Dhoke Ratta Bhosa Godam and a Girls School in Gawalmandi.

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