Islamabad, July 16, 2025: Despite a hefty desilting budget, Leh Nullah remains clogged due to ongoing illegal dumping, putting nearby areas at risk of flooding.
The Leh Nullah, a significant water channel originating from the Margalla Hills has been severely narrowed due to the illegal dumping of construction material to create substitute parking areas for trucks. This issue is notably evident behind the Ganjmandi police station leading to fast flood risks as the nullah’s width has been lowered to a few meters in some areas.
Despite the allocation of Rs 150 million by the government for the cleanliness of Leh Nullah and 11 other nullahs ahead of the monsoon season, the issue highlights the distribution of funds ineffective. Residents such as Suhail Raja of Ganj Mandi has criticized the district administration for failing to notice the repeated dumping of construction waste and the parking of trucks that has been active for the past four years.
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A senior PML-N leader, anonymously confirmed that the nullah’s width has significantly decreased at various points including Dhoke Dalal, Dhoke Naju, Pirwadhai and Ganj Mandi which threatens to sabotage provincial government efforts to protect the city from flooding.
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Besides, large amount of solid waste and building trash has been illegally dumped along the banks of Leh Nullah, especially near Gawalmandi, Pirwadhai, and Ganj Mandi bridges. This waste flows into the nullah during rainfall forcing WASA (Water and Sanitation Agency) to continuously clear the blockages. Illegal cattle shelters also contribute to the issue at various points along the nullah’s banks.
