Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) on Sunday claimed to have cleared silt and solid waste from Nullah Lai and due to proper arrangements made by authority there is no danger of flood during the monsoon season.
Talking to APP, Deputy Director Wasa Zahoor Dogar said that Punjab government had provided Rs 47 million for cleanliness of Nullah Lai.
Nullah Lai mainly in low lying areas have been cleared from silt and solid waste, he said adding the nullah has been further widened and deepened to save the city from flood devastation.
Gawalmandi area was especially focused during the cleanliness drive as due to heavily populated locality, a large quantity of garbage and filth is thrown in the nullah which creates obstacles in the smooth flow of flood water, he said adding, this section of the nullah has been cleared.
City Sadar Road, Dhoke Charg Deen, Pirwadhi, New Katrian and Dhoke Naju were also critical sections of Nullah Lai which were cleared of silt and solid waste, he informed.
The filth and all type of garbage were removed to make sure the smooth flood water flow particularly during the heavy rains in upcoming monsoon season.
Dogar said that Nullah Lai was also being widened and deepened at Aamar Chowk section and the work would be completed before the start of monsoon rains.
He thanked Station Commander Rawalpindi for extending help and co-operation during the clean up operation.
He urged the people to come forward and play their role in protecting especially low lying areas of the city from flood devastation, adding, solid waste, garbage, shopping bags should not be thrown in Nullahs particularly in Nullah Lai as they create blockage in the way of flood water. Resultantly the floodwater plays havoc with the properties and lives of the people, he added.
Replying to a question he said a huge amount is required to eliminate the flood danger completely from the city but, Wasa is making all out efforts with limited resources to save the citizens from the looming flood threat.
The City District Government has made other arrangements with setting up of flood relief camps to provide relief to the people in case of heavy monsoon rains.
On the other hand, the residents of low lying areas particularly Waris Khan, Glass Factory, Mokh Singh State, Dhoke Khaba, Umer Road, Nadeem Colony, Dhoke Elahi Bukush, Arya Mohallah, Javed Colony demanded more steps to minimise the danger of flood.