Rawalpindi: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review long-term solutions for the persistent flooding and environmental concerns surrounding Nullah Leh, one of Rawalpindi’s most flood-prone urban waterways.
During the session, held at the DC Office, Dr. Cheema directed all relevant departments, including the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and the Municipal Corporation, to submit their final recommendations for the proposed Nullah Leh development project without delay.
Officials were informed that the goal of the initiative is not only to provide a permanent resolution to flooding but also to beautify and secure the 16-kilometer stretch of the nullah, which cuts through some of the city’s most densely populated areas.
As part of the discussion, the DC endorsed a proposal to divide the length of the nullah into 16 sections, with each segment potentially assigned to a different firm for redevelopment. This approach is expected to accelerate the construction process and improve accountability.
“The revival of Nullah Leh is not just a civic requirement — it’s a safety imperative,” said Dr. Cheema, emphasizing the urgency of initiating work before the next monsoon season.
The meeting also revisited the 2003 expansion plan for Nullah Leh, which had remained dormant for years due to administrative and financial constraints. The existing plan is now being reassessed to align with modern urban development needs, improved flood management systems, and environmental preservation standards.
Key aspects under review include:
Fencing along the nullah to prevent encroachments and ensure public safety
An automated monitoring and maintenance system
Strategies for long-term cleanliness, drainage improvement, and aesthetic upgrades of surrounding areas
The Deputy Commissioner stressed that inter-departmental coordination would be critical for the timely execution of the project and warned that delays in plan submission would not be tolerated.
Earlier in the day, Dr. Cheema also chaired a District Emergency and Response Committee meeting focused on dengue prevention, where he issued strict instructions to health and municipal departments to intensify fumigation and sanitation efforts in vulnerable localities.
The upcoming Nullah Leh redevelopment is being seen as a pivotal infrastructure initiative for Rawalpindi, with the potential to prevent seasonal disasters and transform the area into a more livable urban corridor.
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