ISLAMABAD: City managers on Monday decided to impose Section 144 to ban construction activity in Margalla Hills and its foothills besides launching an operation against encroachments on the right of ways of streams mainly Korang River to stop the flow of contaminated water into Rawal Dam.

Following fish die-off and illegal construction mainly along the Margalla Road in Zone III, two meetings chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa were held. The meetings were attended by CDA officials, the deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners, Punjab Small Dams, fisheries department and Wasa Rawalpindi representatives.

The participants were briefed about the increase in the fish mortality in Rawal Dam, which was possibly due to low oxygen levels in the water. However, the exact cause of their death will be determined after receiving reports from the departments which have taken samples from the reservoir.

Several proposals were discussed to eliminate water pollution in the dam. The CDA chairman directed that work on three sewage treatment plants should be expedited to eliminate pollution in the dam.

He also said wetland sites should be restored to prevent pollution in the dam from the sewage of nearby streams. Special teams have been formed for cleaning solid waste from Rawal Dam, Lake View Park and surrounding areas. The meeting also decided to impose Section 144 to prevent dumping of garbage in Korang and other streams flowing into Rawal Dam.

According to a press release, the CDA chairman said that action should be initiated against encroachments, industrial and commercial activities causing polluted water flowing into the streams leading to Rawal Dam.

On his instructions, a special cell has been established headed by the DG Water Management and consisting of members from all relevant departments to address water pollution in Rawal Dam.

Meanwhile, in another meeting, it was decided that a vigorous operations should be launched to eliminate encroachments throughout the city, including on right of ways of streams. It was decided that constant surveillance should continue even after the removal of encroachments.

The CDA chairman said FIRs would be registered against those found attempting to re-encroach on spaces cleared from illegal encroachments. The cleared areas must be fenced to prevent encroachment again.

The meeting also decided to stop commercial activities in Zone III and Margalla Hills.

It may be noted that even in the heart of Margalla Hills, a number of food outlets have been operating. Sources said that the meeting was told that several asphalt plants had been installed on the foothills of Margallas near GT Road while a cement factory was also operating in Zone III.

The sources said that the meeting expressed concerns at the operation of illegal housing societies near Margalla Road and ordered action against them.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2024