ISLAMABAD: Flouting directives of Capital Development Authority (CDA), administrations of several housing societies and individuals have started to cover natural water courses, enhancing the risk of urban flooding in Islamabad.

The engineering department of CDA on Thursday forwarded the fifth letter to Fazaia Housing Society, asking it’s management to clear all constructions around storm water drains. In the event of heavy rains, water after hitting boundary wall of the society, turns towards Islamabad Expressway.

The letter stated that accumulated water not only disturbs traffic at one of the main arteries of the federal capital but also causes long term damage to the road, adding that CDA has to incur manpower and material expense to clear the water from the road.

Talking to Dawn, a senior official of the engineering department said that despite writing several letters, the management of Fazaia Housing Society has not taken the matter seriously.

Similarly, the management of Margalla Town Housing Society has expressed concerns about environment department of CDA failing to take action against those covering storm water drains and the traditional water pathways within the jurisdiction of the housing colony.

After issuing a notice to residents, the Margalla Town Housing Society administration told CDA that Irfan Marwat, a resident of street 41 and other individuals in street 44 have not only covered the storm water drain but also occupied more than 1 kanal land for personal use.

Such cases could lead to serious urban flooding as witnessed in E-11 in July last year, where illegal construction at the storm water nullah flooded the street causing serious damage to property in the area.

While responding to the query, a senior official of the environment wing of CDA said covering storm water natural nullahs was a recent phenomenon in the city.

“Previously, the residents of Islamabad used to respect nature, its water courses, as well as the flora and fauna here,” the official said, adding that those who came to the city from other areas of the country mainly during the past decade started construction over the natural landscape.

The official highlighted that currently there was no law to impose strict penalties upon those who cover the natural nullah with concrete structure, and the CDA can only impose fines.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2022