ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar has directed the deputy commissioner to determine reasons behind the damage to life and property in the wake of slightly above normal rainfall in E-11.

The federal minister, who is also the MNA from this area of the capital, has also directed the ICT administration and Capital Development Authority (CDA) to demolish illegal structures in E-11.

The minister called an emergency meeting, which was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ali Nawaz Awan, the commissioner, deputy commissioner and CDA chairman Amer Ahmad Ali.

Participants of the meeting expressed sorrow over the loss of lives in the floods in the wake of around 103mm of rainfall in Golra area during the past 24 hours, which was not even close to the highest ever rainfall in the city.

The Met Office reported that the highest ever single day rainfall in Islamabad was 591.9mm in the early 2000s.

Grave concern was expressed over the reasons for water intrusion in houses and it was noted that the root cause of the issue was illegal construction in E-11. The federal minister ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and directed removel of the illegal structures.

The CDA chairman informed the meeting that an inquiry had been ordered and all facts would be presented before the government.

Mr Umar directed the deputy commissioner to immediately look into the status of all housing societies in E-11 and identify illegal construction so that necessary steps could be taken. The DC was also asked to immediately arrange alternative accommodation for occupants of slums near E-11 and its adjoining nullah.

Published in Dawn, July 29th, 2021