NAROWAL: The district administration has started to strengthen the Dek rainwater drain near village Lahri, Zafarwal tehsil, as floodwater coming from India and occupied Kashmir is cutting into the protective embankment.

As per details, due to the increased water flow the dyke was damaged near the village a few days ago. After protests by locals, area MPA and Punjab Public Accounts Chairman Committee Ahmed Iqbal took notice and visited the area along with officials of the district administration and Rescue 1122.

Narowal Deputy Commissioner Syed Hassan Raza ordered immediate implementing of the directives by the Punjab government and Provincial Disaster Management Authority. The DC directed the district administration to repair the dyke near village Lahri on an emergency basis. He also inspected the ongoing work along with officials of the irrigation, civil defense, revenue and Rescue 1122.

Mr Raza told Dawn that the embankment had been raised in the rainwater drain. He said that due to the flood water, the village was in danger of getting flooded. He said that teams of the irrigation department were working to strengthen the Nullah Dek with stone, sand and clay bags. He said that the water level was being monitored in the drain. He cautioned citizens to stay away from the dyke and the river Ravi.

A few days ago, the Hanjali Bridge collapsed due to the rapid flow of water in the Dek rainwater drain. Narowal and Sialkot administration closed the bridge for traffic from both sides.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2025