RAWALPINDI: Heavy rainfall in the twin cities on Wednesday led to an increase in the water level in Rawal Dam and sewerage problems for Rawalpindi residents.

According to the meteorological department, Chaklala received 48 millimetres of rain, while Shamsabad received 29mm, Golra received 57mm, Saidpur 34mm, Zero Point 43mm, Bokra 39mm and Islamabad 4mm.

The rainfall lasted an hour, and ended up exposing the poor drainage system in the garrison city.

Water level at Rawal Dam has increased

Sewerage systems downtown and near Leh Nullah choked and water accumulated on Murree Road and in the streets in low-lying areas.

People had a difficult time draining water from parts of the city including Dingi Khoi, Akalgarh, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Dhoke Ratta, Jamia Masjid Road, Banni Chowk, Sadiqabad, Satellite Town, Bohar Bazaar, Muslim Town, Service Road and Chirah Road near Shamsabad.

Due to improper drainage on the elevated metro track, 2ft of water accumulated in the Committee Chowk underpass, causing problems for motorcyclists and motorists on the road.

When contacted, Water and Sanitation Agency Managing Director Raja Shaukat Mehmood said heavy rainfall was recorded in the city; Leh Nullah rose above 10ft in Gawalmandi and 7ft at Kattarian Bridge.

He admitted that rainwater had accumulated on Murree Road and Chirah Road, but added that Wasa had installed machines to drain out the water before afternoon.

The machines have now been fixed in low-lying areas and the city’s major roads to prevent water accumulation.

The water level also increased in Rawal Dam, one of the main water sources for Rawalpindi city.

“We expected more water in the lake but currently water has arrived from the hills and should be enough to meet the requirement for the next 90 days,” Mr Mehmood said.

He added that the monsoon would increase the water level in Rawal Dam in the coming days, while less water arrived in Khanpur Dam and the water table increased by a foot.

Published in Dawn, July 19th, 2018