Islamabad: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has intensified preparations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, with a focus on preventing urban flooding and removing encroachments along nullahs in the federal capital.
Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa presided over a meeting at CDA Headquarters on Monday, attended by board members, the Director General of Capital Emergency Services, the Director General of Environment, officers from the engineering wing, and other officials from the Islamabad administration.
The session aimed to ensure advance preparedness to handle emergency situations, particularly flash floods, during the monsoon season. Randhawa emphasized that the Capital Emergency Services (CES) would take a leading role in managing emergencies, while departments were instructed to propose preventive measures based on experiences from last year’s heavy rainfall.
Briefing the meeting, the Director General CES said staff had undergone water rescue training with support from Chinese experts and the Pakistan Navy. Teams were also trained to respond to flash flooding situations, and specialized water rescue units, each consisting of 12 members, have been formed.
Officials informed that pre-monsoon measures already underway include inspection of flood-fighting equipment, cleaning of streams and nullahs, and the establishment of a flood control room to ensure effective inter-departmental coordination. Low-lying and historically flood-prone areas have been identified, and a warning system is being developed to alert residents in case of emergencies.
Chairman Randhawa directed the removal of illegal encroachments along nullahs and streams before the monsoon, and instructed authorities to ensure the availability of water pumps, dewatering sets, and other necessary equipment to respond promptly to any untoward situation.
He stressed that thorough planning and timely arrangements before the arrival of monsoon rains are essential to minimize risks and ensure public safety.
The measures come after Islamabad experienced unprecedented urban flooding last year, including in areas such as Saidpur, the Sohan River, and Nullah Korang, highlighting the city’s vulnerability due to encroachments and clogged waterways. Experts have also noted the growing impact of climate change on the city’s weather patterns, including unusually heavy hailstorms that damaged vehicles and infrastructure.
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