The district administration has constituted a committee to demarcate the natural drainage channel in Mirpur and identify encroachments after inspections revealed that illegal constructions were obstructing the watercourse, causing urban flooding during heavy rains.
Committee formed to remove encroachments along Mirpur Drain
ABBOTTABAD, Jul 17 (APP): The district administration has constituted a committee to demarcate the natural drainage channel in Mirpur and identify encroachments after inspections revealed that illegal constructions were obstructing the watercourse, causing urban flooding during heavy rains.
Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Abbottabad, Sarmad Saleem Akram, Additional Assistant Commissioner, Kamran Ali Shah visited Mirpur to inspect drainage, encroachments, drinking water supply, and sanitation issues following complaints from local residents.
During the visit, the assistant commissioner met local elders, members of the Mirpur Action Committee, and residents to discuss civic problems and inspected the natural drain extending from the Mirpur hills to Kala Pul.
Officials found that significant portions of the drain had been encroached upon, forcing rainwater to flow through residential streets instead of its natural course. The obstruction has led to water accumulation and urban flooding around the Karakoram Highway (KKH), Ayub Teaching Hospital (ATH), and Job Bridge during monsoon rains.
To address the issue, the district administration formed a committee to demarcate the drain, identify illegal encroachments, and prepare an official encroachment map. The committee has been directed to submit its report within 10 days.
The inspection also highlighted the deteriorating condition of the tube well roof at Mirpur Chashma, damaged water supply lines, weak protective walls, and delays in solid waste collection. The relevant departments were instructed to take immediate corrective measures.
Issues related to the tube well, water supply network, and retaining walls have been referred to the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, while sanitation-related matters have been forwarded to the concerned authorities for prompt action.
The district administration reaffirmed its commitment to restoring natural waterways, eliminating encroachments, improving drainage infrastructure, ensuring the supply of clean drinking water, and resolving public issues on a priority basis.
