THE recent heavy rains in Islamabad played havoc with life and property in sector E-11. One of the major reasons was encroachments on natural water drains, the nullahs, by land developers, as there is no check by the relevant authority, which, in this case, happens to be the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Apart from sector E-11, the F-7 Markaz, right in the heart of the city, suffered as a decades old natural water drain passes through the sector carrying a huge amount of water during the monsoons.

About two years ago, some commercial enterprises covered this nullah and made a link road. Now, during rains, one cannot cross that point as the road gets submerged. The CDA officials are fully aware of all this, but keep their mum. Will the CDA chairman look into this?

Mubarak Elahi
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, August 3rd, 2021