LAHORE: In response to the worsening rainwater drainage situation in Lahore, the Punjab government has entrusted the Water and Sanitation Agency (Wasa) with the responsibility of managing drainage at Kalma Chowk.
Additionally, Wasa is likely to be tasked with addressing the drainage issues at Capt. Mobeen Shaheed Underpass, Harbanspura Underpass, and Walton Road have been severely affected by flooding during the ongoing rains.
A fact-finding committee has been investigating the urban flooding in Lahore caused by torrential rains.
While a comprehensive report is being compiled, it is expected to highlight the delayed drainage of rainwater, failure to address issues promptly using a professional approach, and other technical and administrative challenges as key factors contributing to the chaotic situation in the city.
The committee members have visited various sites and are expected to submit their findings to the relevant authorities by the end of this week.
Furthermore, they have also observed that areas where Wasa had implemented rainwater harvesting tanks, such as Kashmir Road and Lawrence Road, experienced no accumulation of rainwater.
The inquiry team has identified 4 critical spots where significant rainwater accumulation occurred: Captain Mobeen Shaheed Underpass (completed by the Lahore Development Authority), Harbanspura Underpass (completed by the Lahore Ring Road Authority), Kalma Chowk Remodeling Project (by the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority), and Walton Road (maintained by the Walton Cantonment Board).
In addition, the committee is also investigating the recent appearance of a sinkhole on Khayaban-i-Firdausi.
As per the sources, the factors being examined include road compaction, materials used, adherence to specifications for asphalt work, and water ingress that may have eroded the surface.
It is important to note that the fact-finding exercise aims to gather information and is not focused on assigning blame. The responsibility for addressing these issues will be determined by the government.
Moreover, the committee is examining the major collapse of a service lane where a plaza is under construction along Gulberg’s Main Boulevard.
Besides, the statements from relevant stakeholders, including the LDA, PCBDDA, Lahore Ring Road Authority, plaza owners, and LDA chief town planner, have been collected.
Source: DAWN
