Rawalpindi – A high-level meeting regarding Nullah Lai was held at the commissioner’s office under the chairmanship of Punjab Minister for Housing Bilal Yasin.
The meeting reviewed in detail measures for cleaning Nullah Leh, removing encroachments, improving the drainage system, preventing flooding and enhancing civic facilities around the nullah.
Members of Punjab Assembly, Commissioner Salman Ghani, Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir, and officers of other relevant departments attended the meeting, noted an official press release.
Addressing the meeting, Bilal Yasin directed that a special force be constituted for the approximately 9-kilometre densely populated stretch of Nullah Leh, with an effective patrolling system established to ensure that garbage is not dumped into the nullah again after cleaning and that encroachments are prevented. He directed Wasa to establish the force immediately through its own resources and commence patrolling at the earliest.
He said that Nullah Leh is of vital importance to Rawalpindi and constitutes a key component of the city’s drainage system. All concerned departments must work in a coordinated manner for its cleaning, rehabilitation and protection.
The minister made it clear that dumping of garbage and illegal construction in Nullah Leh after de-silting would not be allowed under any circumstances, while the cleaning operation should continue on a permanent basis. He stressed the need to create public awareness and take action against violators in accordance with the law.
Bilal Yasin further directed that a zero-tolerance policy against encroachments along Nullah Leh be strictly implemented so that the nullah does not fall victim to garbage and encroachments again after its cleaning and rehabilitation. To make the cleanliness system around Nullah Leh more effective, a permanent monitoring mechanism should be established with the cooperation of local residents, the business community and civil society.
Commissioner Salman Ghani said that monitoring of various locations along Nullah Leh through Safe City cameras was being further strengthened. The system would help identify individuals and vehicles involved in dumping waste into the nullah, enabling immediate legal action against them.
He added that measures would also be taken to establish a special monitoring and control room for Nullah Leh and to employ modern technology for flash-flood monitoring and early warning alerts.
The meeting also emphasized seeking recommendations from technical and chemical engineering experts to reduce the risks associated with water flow and flash flooding in Nullah Leh.
Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) following the direction from the commissioner seals illegal commercial activities at Mid City Apartments.
RDA Enforcement Squad, with the assistance of Police Station Airport conducted the operation against ongoing illegal commercial activities at Mid City Apartments at Service Road, Mouza Gangal. During the operation, various illegal commercial activities, including unauthorized offices, restaurants and illegal penthouses, were sealed by the RDA team.
