The consultant of the recently laid drainage system in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) has warned that there could be localized accumulation of up to 12 inches of rainwater on the streets in a few localities of the area during the upcoming monsoon.

The consultant’s word of caution came on Tuesday during a meeting between a delegation of the Association of Defence Residents (ADR) led by its General Secretary, Asad Kizilbash and the DHA administration, said a press release issued on Wednesday.

DHA administrator Brig. Khalid Tirmizi stressed upon the consultant of the DHA drainage project to drain out accumulated rainwater from DHA streets within 24 hours. The consultant replied, however, that draining the affected streets would take up to 36 hours.

The ADR delegation was given an in-depth briefing on the rain emergency preparations jointly being made by the DHA and the Cantonment Board Clifton (CBC). The preparatory measures taken by the DHA and the CBC include the de-silting of all sewerage drains, cleaning of pumps and storage of essential rain emergency equipment and accessories for the emergency.

The project consultant informed the participants of the meeting that there would be no flooding in the DHA during the monsoon rains this year. He said that the storm water drains would ensure effective drainage of rainwater from all major roads and streets in the area. The area of responsibility for rain emergency operation has been divided between the DHA and CBC, said the press release.

Other rain emergency measures include earmarking suction pumps and other equipment along with operators for speedy drainage operations, if required, and cleaning of all sumps at pumping stations.

Arrangements for cleaning and sweeping of roads after drainage operations including fumigation of the Defence areas have also been made. Rain Emergency Control Centres will overlook and monitor the entire operation, the participants of the meeting were told.

The ADR delegation was informed that almost all major roads in the DHA have been reconstructed and carpeted barring very few including Khayaban-e-Sehar which would be completed by June 10.

The delegation was further informed that the modified design of the Hockey Stadium Commercial Car Parking Plaza project would cater to the need of the underground parking of more than 700 cars while commercial plazas will be built astride the car parking area.
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