As a large number of areas of the federal capital have been severely hit by floods during monsoon rain, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has requested the Engineer-in-Chief (E-in-C) branch of the Pakistan Army to carry out a hydrological survey of zones II, III, IV and V to prevent flooding in the future.
Moreover, the civic agency has also decided to halt the issuance of no-objection certificates (NOCs) to housing societies in zones II, III, and V till the successful completion of the survey.
As per a document, after the terrible loss caused by the flooding of nullahs in E-11 in torrential rains in 2021, the government had ordered the CDA to conduct a survey of E-11.
In this regard, the document stated, “The job of the said study was entrusted to Directorate of Design Consultancy, Engineer-in Chief Branch, GHQ, and a report has recently been submitted. The recommendations made in the report are required to be implemented by Planning Wing and Engineering Wing, CDA”.
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“During the recent heavy downpour, flood-like situations in different water courses/nullahs/streams have been observed in various areas of Islamabad which necessitated a comprehensive study/survey (hydrological) to cope with the situations coming out of flooding or cloudbursts in future. This study is also required since recent climate changes have caused changes and even behaviors of water courses. Based upon the proposed hydrological study, relevant authorities and agencies such as CDA, ICT, NDMA, etc, will be able to make mitigation plans for Islamabad,” said the document.
It further said that the CDA chairman had ordered to find the option of expanding the scope of services of the E-in-C Branch to conduct a comprehensive hydrological study across Islamabad in zones II, III, IV, and V.
It also maintained that “The report so prepared shall also include recommendations for taking appropriate measures where required. Meanwhile, approvals of LOPs (Layout Plans) and NOCs shall be processed subject to hydrological study.”
A senior CDA officer informed the media men that the survey in different zones of the capital will be carried out to detect defects so work to resolve them could be carried out.
