SIALKOT: The stagnant water of rains and flooding has waterlogged the Sialkot city as the district administration and municipality were scrambling to drain it out.

City’s old areas such as Rehmatpura, Talwara Mughalaan, Rehmanpura, Shafi Da Bhatta, Gulshan-i-Iqbal Park, Doburji Arayiaan, Ban Phaatak and Talaab Sheikh Maula Bakhash were still under four feet floodwater affecting the ability of the residents to move in the streets. Sewage also got mixed in the stagnant water creating an unbearable foul smell in the air.

The people said the stagnant water had broken out diseases like cholera, gastro, high fever, fungus and various skin diseases creating a health crisis on a mass level.

Talaab Sheikh Maula Bakhsh, a playground, presents the scene of a lake.

TMA officials said they had installed pumps to pump the water into nullahs Aik, Bhed and Palkhu. TMA officials said that there was no doubt to say that the said areas were still lying inundated. However, the flood water was receding there. They said the pace of relief activities could not be accelerated due to the stagnant water.

The affected people said the elected representatives were visiting these areas, but their visits were nothing short of photo sessions.

PRIZE: The University of Gujrat (UoG), Sialkot Campus, organised on Tuesday a prize distribution ceremony for brilliant students who clinched outstanding positions in examinations of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Gujranwala.

Government College Women’s University Vice-Chancellor Farhat Saleemi and UoG Sialkot Campus Director Dr Anwaar Ahmed distributed certificates and prizes among the students.

Published in Dawn, September 17th , 2014