Torrential rains and urban flooding

Monsoon rains are continuing in different parts of the country and along with it, difficulties and problems for the people seem to arise. Four people died due to electrocution due to heavy rain and strong winds in Lahore, while twelve workers died due to wall collapse in Islamabad.

Heavy rains in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have raised the water level to nineteen feet. In view of the emergency, the troops of the Pakistan Army have been deployed at Nala Lai. Several villages of river Chenab, Nala Dek and river Tawi have been affected by the flood water.

The summer rainy season and the hours-long torrential downpours of the monsoon continue to reshape cities and cause urban flooding.

As a result of heavy and stormy rains, Jhelum, Chenab, Sutlej, Sindh, and even Ravi flowing on the bosom of the Punjab land are in a state of flooding, thus all the five rivers of Punjab actually become Panj Aab.

Regarding the increase in the intensity of heat and the need for water for crops, people pray for rain, but due to lack of attention to water storage resources at the government level, water wastage, poor drainage arrangements, carelessness, negligence and lack of duty on the part of those responsible for water supply and drainage in cities, rain becomes a problem.

Adding to the power crisis caused by a feeder trip brings normal life to a complete standstill. Citizens face severe difficulties in commuting and employees in reaching offices, even for students it is not possible to go to schools and colleges due to which educational institutions are closed for many days.

In the low-lying areas, rain water enters the houses and their residents have to face a painful situation. Due to the poor drainage system, people start suffering from fatal diseases due to dirty water in the drinking water.

It is not possible for the people of the affected areas to buy daily necessities, some profiteering and unscrupulous companies and vendors start robbing the people by increasing the prices of essential commodities unjustifiably.

The failure of the district and provincial governments to control the situation causes more suffering for the people. Especially in slums and backward areas, due to heavy rain, wind and storm, human casualties are caused by the collapse of houses. The changing climate has been a recurring question mark on highways and infrastructure for the past few years. Areas where there was less rainfall.

Now they are coming under stormy and torrential rains. Therefore, in order to restore normal life and prevent suffering, it is necessary to change the construction trends and build towns and societies under planning that meets the requirements of the modern age.

Drainage channels then rise above their natural or artificial banks and water enters surrounding areas causing urban flooding and flooding, while some human activities also damage the environment.

For example, lack of greenery, deforestation and poor waste disposal practices increase risks such as urban flooding.

The main causes of urban flooding are heavy rainfall due to extreme weather conditions, felling of trees and vegetation, inadequate design and management of drainage channels and infrastructure, inadequate maintenance of drainage facilities, obstruction by debris brought with flood water, construction of societies in low-lying areas, inappropriate agricultural practices, places most affected by urban flooding, unplanned built-up areas, urban low-lying areas, low-lying coastal areas, basements or basements. Includes constructions, newly constructed low-lying towns and societies.

Urban flooding and flooded areas not only have a dangerous impact on daily life, but also cause loss of life and property. Moreover, personal, economic and social activities of individuals are disrupted under such disasters. In addition, urban flooding damages roads, buildings and other infrastructure, halting development projects and causing loss of people’s property.

Apart from this, incidents like electrocution and drowning occur. Conditions of fear and uncertainty are created in the people. Also, due to disruption of daily life, it is not possible to get supplies of food and medicine and problems such as loss of pets, valuables, property and property come to light.

In view of urban flooding and the damages it causes, preventive measures are very important, under which the paralyzed life system can be avoided in the coming years. Measures such as keeping rainwater separate from the sewage system, improving water management and protecting the sewage system from damage, improving underground pipelines and drainage systems in cities are needed.

Concrete is not a material that can absorb water and gases and then run off into streets and sidewalks causing flooding, so replacing impervious surfaces with materials like grass and landscaping will allow rainwater to seep into the ground.

This process is known as water infiltration. Also works to sustain plant life. Water infiltration refers to the entry of water through different layers of soil, the main function of which is to prevent soil erosion, to nourish plants and to prevent possible flooding.

Pakistan lags far behind in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but it is among the most affected countries in the list of climate change impacts. Experts have warned that extreme weather conditions will now occur more frequently due to climate change. After heavy rains in Pakistan last year, one third of the country was submerged due to devastating floods.

If before the arrival of the rainy season, the district and provincial governments, the federal government and the institutions responsible for drainage and water supply in the cities should pay attention to the necessary measures. Arrangements should be made to conserve water, if the drainage system from the low-lying areas, slums and backward communities is ensured to be effective and implemented, not only the people can be safe from this painful situation, but this rain can actually be a blessing for them.

Cleaning of drains and drains in cities before the onset of rainy season was started during the British rule and due to the trend of population migration from villages to cities and population growth, special attention was paid to it in view of the problems of cities and people never had to face the problems that they face today during the rainy season.

The general impression and observation is that despite the provision of huge budget and financial resources by the government, the drainage agencies do not show their commitment, their officers and officials disappear on such occasions.

It is not possible to contact them. This situation indicates the lack of accountability of the duty-free and irresponsible officers and officials, although apart from Pakistan, there are many countries in the world where there are much more rains than our country and the rainy season is also longer, but such painful situations and difficulties for the citizens cannot be imagined there, rather people enjoy this season fully.

Currently, the electricity crisis in the dear country has shaken the entire national economy and disrupted the normal life. On top of this, the situation that has arisen in Karachi, the largest city and industrial center of the country, with the arrival of the rainy season and before that, the loss of life and property due to rain and wind in some other cities of Punjab.

This requires that the district and provincial governments, all the relevant institutions and the federal government, realize the problems of the citizens and show responsible behavior and instead of empty claims, promises and assurances, focus on solving them through concrete practical measures and their effective monitoring.