Flood-alert notices issued to 28 areas near Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) of Islamabad issued notices to flood-vulnerable slum dwellers living close to streams flowing through different parts of the federal capital, asking them to shift to safer places.

CDA carried out a detailed survey of the city to identify vulnerable points during the monsoon season. The survey identified 28 flood-vulnerable locations; residents of Katchi Abadis in different sectors. These areas have been warned through public notices to move, failing which, the CDA will demolish all these structures and the residents will be responsible for any risk involved.

On the direction of the CDA chairperson, arrangements have been made to monitor the water level at Simly Dam on a daily basis and a monitoring camp has been set up upriver to provide early warnings in case of a flood risk. The same information will be shared with Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and media.

CDA Chairperson Imtiaz Inyat Elahi went to different parts of the federal capital to inspect arrangements made under the Flood Relief Cell (FRC) of the authority and later chaired a review meeting at CDA Headquarters. Elahi directed the concerned departments to take immediate steps to improve the situation at the 28 vulnerable points identified in the survey.

During the meeting, Elahi was apprised that a public notice has also been published to inform the general public to remove all illegal sewerage and drainage connections in streets or streams immediately. These illegal connections present a high risk of backflow during the monsoon season. People have also been warned to strictly follow rules and regulations and connect sewerage and drainage lines of their houses and buildings with the main lines.

Elahi ordered the concerned departments to expedite the process of cleaning streams to allow the smooth flow of rainwater and avoid any untoward incident. He said that early monsoon rains have given the CDA a chance to have a real test of the preparations made for the rainy season.