TAXILA: Civic bodies in Attock have initiated desilting of drainage and sewerage lines in the city ahead of monsoon, especially in thickly-populated areas.

During the desilting drive, workers were provided special health and safety gadgets besides customised equipment like handcarts with waste bags, to keep waste away from streets and roads. Special attention was given to urban and low-lying areas, where rain water would accumulate in previous years.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Annan Qammar said: “Desilting is key to keeping drains and gullies fully operational in connection with preventive measures to ensure free flow of rainwater in these drains during monsoon. The municipal committee should make coordinated efforts to ensure its completion and also cleaning of storm water drains before monsoon. The objective of extensive cleaning of drains is to ensure free flow of rainwater in these drains during monsoon.”

Preventive measures will also make sure that small drains and gutters in residential and commercial areas of the city do not choke, he said, adding awareness activities will be carried out in various areas where de-silting is going on to sensitise the general public about proper disposal of waste to avoid any kind of hassle in the upcoming rainy season.

“Residents of respective areas will also be approached door-to-door to educate them about the municipal committee’s arrangements for a waste-free monsoon. They will also be asked to avoid littering and throwing waste in open drains and gutters,” he added.

Furthermore, chairing a meeting of the District Emergency Response Committee at his office, Mr Qammar said that all departments should be alert to deal with any damage caused by monsoon rains in a timely manner. “In addition to knowing the continuous forecast of floods, details of damages due to rains will also be submitted and immediate action will be taken to provide relief to the victims. All relevant administrative officials should continuously monitor the river, flood drain and stream situation after rainfall and all necessary measures should be taken to cope with any emergency. No laxity will be tolerated in this regard,” he said and directed all departments to remain alert.

District Emergency Officer Dr Ishfaq Mian, while briefing the committee said that rain emergency plan had already been chalked out and the district administration of Attock was ready to deal with any natural calamity.

Published in Dawn, June 27th, 2020