The Punjab government has approved the release of Rs 154.53 million for the comprehensive cleaning of Nullah Leh and 15 rainwater drains to protect the city from potential flood disasters during the upcoming monsoon season.
Earlier, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) had urgently sought Rs 84.53 million to tackle the growing flood threat posed by heavier-than-usual monsoon rains expected this year. The funds will be used for widening, cleaning and deepening Nullah Leh, which covers an area of 239.8 square kilometres.
Currently, garbage, waste and construction materials are dumped into Nullah Leh throughout the year. This has resulted in large accumulations of debris at various points, raising the original bed level of the stream. If Nullah is not thoroughly cleaned and widened this year, there is a serious risk of catastrophic flooding.
Flood season extends from June 15 to September 15
The flood season for Nullah Leh extends from June 15 to September 15. The district administration has officially declared this period as the flood season for Nallah Lei and the 15 rainwater drains across the city. The Municipal Corporation will be responsible for cleaning these drains and has been allocated Rs 70 million for this purpose.
WASA receives letter from Govt regarding release of funds
WASA has received a formal letter from the Punjab government and the Chief Minister’s Secretariat regarding the release of funds. It has been decided that these funds will be released in the first ten days of April.
Meanwhile, the proposed Lai Expressway project along Nullah Lei has been put on hold due to a lack of funds.
Flooding in Nullah Lei has been a recurring issue since 1967, typically occurring between July and September. Each year, drainage and desilting work is carried out with financial support from the Punjab government’s Annual Development Program or through supplementary grants.
WASA has proposed Rs 84.53 million for drain cleaning, including Rs 50 million from additional monsoon funds and Rs 34.53 million to clear outstanding payments.
Federal Minister for Railways, Hanif Abbasi, stated that full support will be provided to WASA this year to prevent flooding. He added that the cleaning work will be completed by June 30, before the onset of pre-monsoon rains.
