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ISLAMABAD, Jul 22 (APP):Continuous heavy rain in Islamabad has exposed the risks posed by illegal constructions in the Saidpur area.
As water flow in local streams intensified, a vehicle was swept into a drain, prompting authorities to accelerate action against encroachments.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration, the federal capital experienced persistent heavy rains, leading to increased water flow in Saidpur streams.
According to the district administration, the surge in water flow was mainly due to illegal constructions restricting the natural course of the drains.
The spokesman of the administration confirmed that the continuous rainfall intensified the water current, causing a vehicle to fall into a drain in Saidpur. The vehicle was later retrieved by the authorities without further incident.
The administration noted that sanitation teams remained active during the rain, ensuring water drainage in low-lying areas. However, the spokesman added that water accumulated in certain areas of Saidpur where encroachments blocked the natural drainage path.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon had visited Saidpur along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner General (ADCG) and other officials to assess the situation on the ground. During his visit, the DC instructed officials to intensify operations against illegal constructions in the area.
He said that unauthorized structures have obstructed the flow of rainwater, directly contributing to the risk of urban flooding. “These encroachments have disturbed the natural watercourse, resulting in the accumulation of water in lower areas,” Irfan Memon stated.
He further mentioned that the district administration had already issued notices to those responsible for illegal constructions prior to starting any operation. “The crackdown against encroachments commenced only after repeated warnings were ignored,” the DC emphasized.
The Deputy Commissioner directed that the operation against illegal constructions will continue until the last unauthorized structure is removed. He added that authorities will wait for the rain to subside before beginning demolition of the remaining illegal buildings.
The district administration’s spokesman reiterated that the operation in Saidpur will not be stopped until the complete removal of encroachments and stressed that the illegal structures are the main reason behind water accumulation and blockage in the drainage system during rains.
The Deputy Commissioner assured that all necessary steps will be taken to address the problem permanently. “Until the last illegal construction is removed, the operation will not stop,” he affirmed.
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against those who attempt to obstruct official operations. The administration is also considering long-term measures to restore the natural water channels in Saidpur and prevent future blockages.
With heavy rains forecast to continue, the administration remains on high alert. Field teams are monitoring vulnerable areas while machinery has been deployed to manage water drainage and prevent further damage.
The district administration has urged the public to cooperate with officials and avoid constructing any buildings on or near natural watercourses.