By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD/RAWALPINDI: Heavy monsoon rains have once again caused widespread disruption and damage across Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with floodwater entering residential areas, damaging homes, roads and vehicles, and bringing normal life to a standstill in several localities.
While intense rainfall and natural disasters remain a recurring challenge, residents allege that illegal construction and encroachments on natural waterways have significantly worsened the situation.
They claim that land grabbers and property dealers, allegedly in connivance with some government officials, have occupied or narrowed traditional storm-water channels, preventing rainwater from following its natural course.
The impact has been particularly severe in and around Jammu & Kashmir Housing Society and Sector F-15/1, where recent rains have turned roads into streams and canals.
According to local residents, a centuries-old natural water channel on the eastern side of Jammu & Kashmir Housing Society has gradually been encroached upon, with portions allegedly converted into residential plots. A large area along the natural drainage route has also reportedly been developed as a drivers’ training centre, further obstructing the traditional flow of storm water.
As a result, rainwater coming from the GT Road side, Jammu & Kashmir Housing Society, Tarnol and surrounding lands is reportedly unable to drain through its natural channels. Instead, huge volumes of water are flowing onto streets and through residential areas.
The consequences have been alarming in F-15/1, where several roads have effectively been transformed into waterways, posing a serious threat to residents and their properties. Locals fear that continued flooding could cause further damage to houses and infrastructure, while some homes have already been affected.
Residents said that even a short spell of heavy rain on Tuesday morning damaged dozens of houses and severely disrupted traffic. Vehicles carrying students to schools and colleges became stranded in accumulated water, preventing many students from reaching their educational institutions.
The recurring flooding has renewed calls for the authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into alleged encroachments on natural waterways across Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Residents have demanded the immediate removal of illegal structures, restoration of natural drainage channels and accountability of land grabbers, property developers and any public officials found responsible.
They warned that unless natural waterways are restored and an effective storm-water drainage system is developed, every major spell of rain could continue to threaten homes, infrastructure and lives across rapidly expanding residential areas of the twin cities.
