A prominent Rawalpindi-based activist has blamed the opening of Rawal Dam’s spillways for worsening the devastating flooding that swept through several parts of Rawalpindi.
Citizen Action Committee President Malik Zaheer Awan claimed that Islamabad was saved from flooding at the expense of Rawalpindi after authorities opened the spillways of Rawal Dam.
According to reports, Rawal Dam had reached capacity following heavy rainfall, leading authorities to open its spillways during the day. The released water, along with the flow from Nullah Korang, entered the River Soan.
Awan claimed the heavy influx of water affected the River Soan’s capacity to accommodate floodwater flowing from Nullah Leh. This allegedly caused water to back up in Nullah Leh and enter Rawalpindi through the city’s drainage network.
Floodwater from Nullah Leh and around 15 rainwater drains subsequently inundated major commercial centers and densely populated areas of Rawalpindi.
Raja Bazaar, Fawara Chowk, Moti Bazaar, Bara Bazaar, Dingi Khoi Chowk, Jamia Masjid Road, College Road and Naya Mohalla were among the areas affected by the flooding.
Awan said the destruction could have been avoided with better management of the Rawal Dam spillways. He claimed the spillways should have been opened either on Monday night or after 3 p.m. on Tuesday.
“Rawalpindi city could have been saved. Islamabad was saved at the cost of drowning Rawalpindi,” he said.
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