BAHAWALPUR: The main gate of the historical Sadiq Garh Palace at Dera Nawab Sahib in the suburbs of Ahmedpur East is submerged by sewage, showing neglect of the officials of the municipal committee of the city.

The sewage has blocked the passage for the employees and inhabitants of the palace and the people in adjacent streets, which were also filled with sewage.

The palace belonged to the late Bahawalpur Nawab Muhammad Sadiq Khan Abbasi V.

Dawn learnt that due to the collapsed sewerage system of Ahmedpur East Municipal Committee, sewage has submerged the entire area, which looks like a pond. With the choking of sewerage, the overflowing manholes are creating a great deal of inconvenience for the residents and the passers-by.

The bazaar in the locality is also flooded by sewage and local residents face numerous problems. The ugly state of affairs has been going on for the last many days and the MC officials have not so far bothered to open the choked sewers.

The Sadiq Garh Palace is presenting a picture of neglect, calling for the need of its renovation as tourists frequently visit it. The tourists also have to face inconvenience due to stinking sewage that has become a breeding spot for the mosquitoes.

When MC officials were contacted, they gave assurance to clear the choked sewer lines, hoping that the sewage might be cleared soon.

It may be recalled that a rear portion in the rear of the Sadiq Garh Palace is being used as a residential accommodation for Prince Bahawal Abbasi, the crown prince of Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi, who stays there whenever he visits Dera Nawab Sahib. A large number of people come to meet him to seek his guidance on various political and social issues.

RESCUE: The employees of the Rescue 1122 in Bahawalpur, Lodhran and Vehari held rallies and events to pay tributes to those who lost their lives in the 2005 earthquake in Azad and Jammu Kashmir.

The rescuers said Tuesday was being observed as the ‘national resilience day’ and prayed for the departed souls.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2024