RAWALPINDI: To enhance the groundwater level, the city managers have started working on a proposal to use check dam technology on Leh Nullah under the Leh Expressway and Flood Channel project.

According to officials, a check dam is a small, sometimes temporary, reservoir constructed across a drainage ditch or channel to lower the velocity of its flow.

In arid areas, such dams are often built to increase groundwater recharge in a process called managed aquifer recharge.

Winter runoff can be stored in aquifers from which water can be withdrawn during the dry season for irrigation, livestock watering and even drinking purpose.

Meeting decides to include proposal in Leh Expressway and Flood Channel project

Commissioner Rawalpindi retired Capt Mohammad Mehmood called a meeting to review the Leh Expressway project which was attended by officials from the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Nespak and other concerned departments.

The commissioner directed the concerned authorities to expedite the review of all necessary steps to make the proposal of check dam a part of the expressway project.

He said with the help of the check dam technology, the falling water table of Rawalpindi city can be increased by slowing down or stopping the flow of water.

He said all aspects of the proposal were being taken into consideration under the supervision of experts.

The problem of urban flooding, especially on Leh Nullah, must be tackled.

He said groundwater was receding fast in the city areas and the situation had become alarming.

There is a dire need for planning to meet the water needs for the coming years and avoid flooding in the monsoon seasons.

He said even rains could not maintain the water table due to the increase in urban population, adding the check dam technology could be helpful in dealing with the situation but a detailed review of all aspects is needed before making any plan.

He said in order to improve the groundwater level, if the flow of Leh Nullah was slowed down or obstructed, it could lead to water stench in the densely populated urban areas.

But this can be dealt with by using technology.

He said the decision on the proposal would be taken keeping in view its cost. He said the flood channel is a part of the expressway project and the check dam technology could increase its efficiency.

Meanwhile, the meeting discussed different proposals to make Leh Expressway attractive for investors. However, a final proposal will be made after consultation with Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, who has been appointed as the focal person for the project by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Prime Minister Khan last month formed a five-member committee to finalise proposals to start work on the Leh Expressway and Flood Channel project.

The committee is headed by Punjab Chief Minister’s Adviser on Finance Dr Salman Shah and comprises the railway minister, the commissioner, the provincial minister for industries and the chief secretary.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2020