Commissioner Rawalpindi reviews monsoon preparedness, orders emergency measures to prevent urban flooding

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jun, 2026) Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Engineer Amir Khattak on Saturday reviewed the monsoon preparedness plan and directed all concerned departments to take preventive measures during a meeting held at the Commissioner Office Rawalpindi to mitigate the risk of urban flooding.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Hassan Waqar Cheema, Additional Commissioner Coordination Zania Humayun, Director Development Syed Nazarat Ali Shah, and heads of relevant departments.

Deputy Commissioners of Jhelum, Attock, Chakwal, and Murree joined the session via video link.

The meeting reviewed in detail the administrative and technical arrangements to deal with potential urban flooding, flash floods in drainage channels, and emergency situations during the upcoming monsoon season.

Commissioner Amir Khattak directed all district administrations to immediately compile and submit detailed requirements of resources to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to ensure a swift and effective response in case of emergencies.

He emphasized that Rescue 1122 and Civil Defence departments must conduct regular mock exercises to assess operational readiness and emergency response capabilities.

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He further instructed that flood relief camps, emergency control rooms, and District Emergency Operation Centres remain fully functional and equipped with essential facilities, including healthcare services, food supplies, and clean drinking water.

The Commissioner also directed WASA, municipal corporations, and other concerned departments to complete geo-tagging of manholes and ensure all manholes are properly covered. He stressed the importance of cleaning rain water drains, sewerage lines, and natural drainage channels, and removing all encroachments and obstructions hindering water flow.

Highlighting the threat of urban flooding, Amir Khattak called for a comprehensive strategy to manage water logging in urban areas and directed advance planning for the evacuation and relocation of residents from low-lying areas to safer locations.

He further announced that Section 144 would be imposed during the monsoon season to discourage and restrict bathing and recreational activities at small dams, canals, drainage channels, and fast-flowing water points to prevent accidents and loss of life.