RAWALPINDI: Commissioner Liaquat Ali Chatha has formed a committee to demarcate the right of way for the Soan River in an effort to clear encroachments and prevent flooding during the upcoming monsoon season.
The three-member committee will be led by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Hassan Waqar Cheema, with representatives from the Irrigation Department and Small Dams Organisation also serving as members.
As per the details, the committee has been given 14 days to submit a report to the commissioner, detailing the demarcation of the flood plain and right of way of the river, identifying any diversions in the flood plain, and specifying no-construction zones to preserve the natural flood plain of Soan River.
The plan for the removal of encroachments and illegal construction will be formulated after the demarcation exercise.
Additionally, Nazia Sadhan, the Director of Development and Finance, wrote a letter to the department expressing concern over the encroachments and construction activities along the river.
She emphasized the importance of the Soan River for the Potohar Plateau, passing through the heart of the garrison city and cultivating the Potohar Region.
The Director pointed out that the river’s flood plains and right of way are heavily encroached, which obstructs water flow, posing a serious risk of urban flooding.
Furthermore, former commissioners had previously directed concerned departments to identify the right of way of Soan River, Leh Nullah, and Korang Nullah and take action against encroachments and illegal construction activities. However, no significant action was taken in the last five years.
Under the current commissioner’s orders, no construction will be allowed to protect the natural flow of the river.
