RAWALPINDI: As the pre-monsoon season begins, authorities in Rawalpindi, including the Municipal Corporation, District Council, cantonment boards, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board, have issued final red notices, some for the second time, to evacuate 285 multi-storey buildings across the district that are over a century old and vulnerable to leaks and collapse during heavy rainfall.
Deputy Commissioner Hasan Waqar Cheema has strictly prohibited the dumping of garbage, construction debris, and other waste into Nullah Leh and 15 stormwater drains.
Police Station House Officers (SHOs) have been instructed to take legal action against violators.
Residents living along Nullah Leh, especially in low-lying areas, have begun relocating valuables such as jewelry, electronics, and furniture to safer places, with some already temporarily moving out.
To prepare for possible flooding, the Civil Defence Department, district authorities, and the 111 Brigade have scheduled full-scale emergency drills next week in flood-prone zones near Rawal Dam, including Nadeem Colony and Javed Colony. These exercises will involve Civil Defence teams, police, and Rescue 1122.
The weather forecast for pre-monsoon rains next week has raised concerns among residents near drainage channels. In response, 15 temporary Civil Defence warden posts have been activated in vulnerable neighborhoods.
Heavy rains during monsoon and pre-monsoon periods regularly cause extensive damage in Rawalpindi, impacting around 70% of the city’s population and commercial zones.
The Municipal Corporation and the Evacuee Trust Property Board have ordered the evacuation and necessary repairs of historically significant but dilapidated buildings in the old city. These structures, many from the British and Hindu eras, pose a serious safety risk.
According to the municipal chief officer, strong notices have been issued to owners and tenants, warning of potential collapse during rain
The Evacuee Trust Property Board has also served evacuation notices effective until June 30 to tenants of both homes and shops in areas such as Raja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Purana Qila, Bagh Sardaran, Dingi Khoi, Shah Chan Chiragh, Banni Mohalla, Jhanda Mohalla, Jamia Masjid Road, Moti Bazaar, and Trunk Bazaar.
These buildings, formerly owned by Hindus and Sikhs, are considered structurally unstable and long overdue for maintenance.
The district council has warned that any buildings not vacated will face demolition. So far, three tenants have challenged these orders in court, and the court has sought responses from the municipal and district officials.
Civil Defence Officer Talib Hussain confirmed that all arrangements for the emergency drill in Javed Colony and Nadeem Colony are complete.
Rawalpindi’s official flood season is scheduled from July 1 to September 15.