PESHAWAR: Water and sanitation services Peshawar (WSSP) achieved a significant milestone by preparing the first-ever comprehensive digital (GIS-based) map of Peshawar’s drainage system.

The map covers all details including length, width, depth, starting and ending points, areas, union councils and connections to natural water channels in the 42 union councils under the jurisdiction of WSSP, according to a statement issued here on Tuesday.

It also provides separate details of natural water channels entering and exiting WSSP’s boundaries. The map was prepared in one year, during which GPS devices were used to survey each area and drainage channel.

Engineers and sub-engineers of WSSP collected the data, which was transferred to Arc GIS software with the assistance of GIS experts from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Cities Improvement Project (KPCIP). The map serves as a foundational and comprehensive resource for planning and monitoring the drainage system.

The drains have been divided into three categories including tertiary, secondary, and primary. The overall drainage system spans 1,862 kilometres, comprising 17,480 small and large drains within WSSP’s jurisdiction.

These include 14 primary drains, 692 secondary drains and 16,774 tertiary drains. Domestic and rainwater flows into tertiary drains, which then feed secondary drains, eventually leading to primary drains and natural water channels.

The total length of tertiary drains is 1,419.97 kilometres, secondary drains 383.38 kilometres and primary drains 58.85 kilometres. Additionally, WSSP manages one Decentralised Wastewater Treatment System (Dewats) and three pumping stations.

To appreciate the efforts of engineers and sub-engineers involved in preparing the map, a ceremony was held where WSSP Board of Directors Chairman Engineer Mohammad Uzair and Chief Executive Officer Yasir Ali Khan distributed certificates among them.

Engineer Mohammad Uzair and Yasir Ali Khan termed the map a landmark achievement and directed for digital map of the water supply system.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2025