Dera ismail khan: Assistant Commissioner Dera Ismail Khan Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq on Wednesday conducted an emergency inspection of major drainage channels across the city and directed the authorities concerned to expedite cleaning, repair work and removal of encroachments to ensure an effective drainage system ahead of the monsoon season.
The inspection was carried out with officials of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC), Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA) and the Revenue Department.
During the visit, the assistant commissioner reviewed arrangements for clearing encroachments from drainage channels, timely desilting of drains and completion of essential repair works to prevent urban flooding and minimise inconvenience to residents during heavy rains.
Dr. Siddiq inspected the Muryali -Hamza Town drain, where he met local farmers and residents to discuss drainage-related issues. Noticing damaged sections of the drain, he directed the PHED to undertake immediate repair work, while the WSSC launched cleaning operations on the spot.
The assistant commissioner also reviewed the Tariqabad drain outlet project. Construction work formally commenced after machinery was deployed to the site in his presence. Officials said the project was expected to be completed within the next few days, providing long-term relief from drainage problems in Tariqabad and adjoining localities.
At Shah Jahan Shaheed Town, he inspected another drain where an anti-encroachment operation was initiated after completion of demarcation by the Revenue Department. He appealed to the public to voluntarily remove illegal structures established within the drain limits to facilitate uninterrupted water flow and maintenance activities.
Later, Dr. Siddiq visited the Madina Colony drain, where the absence of a proper outlet was causing wastewater to flow into nearby agricultural land. He instructed the PHED to finalise the drain outlet design without delay and immediately start construction work.
The inspection also included the main drain on Mosamiyat Road, where a comprehensive cleaning operation was launched to improve the city’s primary drainage network.
During the final leg of the visit, the assistant commissioner inspected the drain located on Darya Band Road near Mela Ground, where encroachment removal and cleaning work had also begun. He urged residents to cooperate with the administration by voluntarily removing encroachments from the drain boundaries to ensure smooth drainage during the monsoon season.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Muhammad Hamid Siddiq said the district administration was working in close coordination with all relevant departments to safeguard lives and property and ensure an efficient drainage system during the monsoon season.
He warned that encroachments on government drainage channels would not be tolerated and that legal action would be taken wherever necessary in accordance with the law.