Authorities Push for Long-Term Fix to Nullah Leh Flooding in Rawalpindi

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Efforts to resolve Rawalpindi’s long-standing flooding issues took a significant step forward this week as Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema chaired a crucial meeting focused on the future of Nullah Leh. The 16-kilometer urban waterway, which has long posed environmental and public safety risks, is now the subject of a renewed push for structural reform and urban development.

The meeting brought together officials from the Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA), the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA), and the Municipal Corporation. Dr Cheema directed the departments to expedite and finalise their recommendations for the Nullah Leh development initiative. The objective is not merely to contain the nullah’s seasonal floods but to completely transform its surrounding landscape into a safe and aesthetically improved urban zone. The urgency of the plan reflects increasing public frustration over repeated flood emergencies, which disproportionately affect low-income neighbourhoods along the nullah’s path.

Previous attempts to overhaul Nullah Leh have stalled amid bureaucratic inertia, shifting priorities, and limited funding. This time, however, the Deputy Commissioner appeared firm in his directive, pushing for detailed submissions without further delay. While no timelines were disclosed, the tone of the meeting signalled a shift toward decisive action. A modernised Nullah Leh would not only improve public safety but also offer economic and civic revitalisation to one of Rawalpindi’s most congested and neglected corridors. Beautification measures such as walkways, greenery, and reinforced embankments were also discussed.

The ultimate success of this plan will depend not just on interdepartmental coordination but on the government’s ability to follow through on its promises. Public trust hinges on whether words will translate into results, particularly in flood-prone urban centres where infrastructure development has too often been reactive rather than preventative. A meaningful overhaul of Nullah Leh could become a turning point for Rawalpindi’s urban resilience, but only if the authorities remain committed beyond the headlines and ensure transparent, accountable delivery at every step.