Islamabad Braces for Heavy Rain: CDA Chairman Leads Emergency Drainage Operation, Orders Round-the-Clock Monitoring

Rawal Dam Water Level Surges: Spillways to Open at 2 PM Today 

Sohail Ashraf Reviews Water Drainage in Ghauri Town as CDA, MCI and District Administration Deploy Joint Teams Across Low-Lying Areas

Hamid Khan Wazir

ISLAMABAD: As heavy rain lashed Islamabad, triggering concerns over water accumulation and traffic disruption, Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Sohail Ashraf took to the field on Tuesday, personally inspecting the situation in Islamabad and Ghauri Town and overseeing emergency drainage and dewatering operations.

During his visit to Ghauri Town, the CDA chairman inspected the water drainage situation and reviewed the measures being taken to prevent water accumulation and ensure the safety and convenience of citizens.

Joint teams comprising the CDA, Emergency and Disaster Management, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and District Administration are actively engaged in a special drainage operation across the capital.

During the heavy rainfall, authorities are maintaining continuous surveillance of low-lying areas, interchanges, underpasses and major roads to ensure the timely disposal of rainwater and uninterrupted traffic flow.

Special dewatering arrangements have been put in place at underpasses and other critical locations, while dewatering machinery and field teams have been deployed in low-lying areas for the immediate removal of accumulated water.

Teams are also working to remove obstructions from nullahs, drains and waterways, while debris, garbage and other blockages hampering the flow of rainwater are being cleared on an emergency basis.

Chairman CDA Sohail Ashraf directed all concerned officers to remain present in the field and closely monitor the situation. He instructed authorities to provide maximum relief to citizens during and after the rainfall, stressing that no negligence or delay in drainage operations would be tolerated.

He further directed all relevant departments to maintain close coordination and ensure continuous monitoring of sensitive and low-lying locations throughout the rain spell.

“The timely drainage of rainwater, smooth traffic flow and safety of citizens are our top priorities during the rainfall,” the CDA chairman said.

CDA and district administration teams remain deployed in the field, while citizen complaints are being addressed on a priority basis. Cleanup, drainage and restoration activities are also continuing simultaneously following the rainfall.

The authorities have advised citizens to avoid unnecessary travel to low-lying areas, underpasses and locations prone to water accumulation during heavy rain and to follow official safety instructions.

In case of an emergency, citizens can contact the CDA and District Administration emergency numbers 16 and 1334 for immediate assistance.

Opening of Rawal Dam Spillways

Due to heavy rains in catchment area, water level in Rawal Dam has reached 1751.90 on 01.09.2026 , it has been decided to open the spillways at 02:00 PM today on 01.09.2026; therefore all concerned are requested to take necessary precautions accordingly.