Rain Exposes Ghouri Town’s Drainage Crisis
A residents’ representation circulating online alleges recurring rainwater and sewage accumulation in Ghouri Town Phase 1 and adjoining localities, calling for a technical survey, drain rehabilitation and a permanent stormwater solution.
ISLAMABAD: Residents of Ghouri Town Phase 1 and adjoining localities have sought urgent intervention from the federal government over what they describe as a persistent drainage and rainwater-management crisis that repeatedly leaves streets inundated during rainfall.
Residents Raise Drainage Concerns
A written representation circulating on social media, addressed to Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and relevant civic authorities, alleges that inadequate drainage, blocked channels and the absence of a sustainable mechanism for disposing of rainwater have created recurring problems for residents.
According to the document, the problem affects Ghouri Town Phase 1 and nearby areas including Madina Estate and other adjoining neighbourhoods.
Residents claim that rainfall causes water to accumulate in streets and residential areas, disrupting movement and creating difficulties for families, children and elderly people.
Residents Seek Permanent Solution
The representation further claims that stagnant water has contributed to damaged roads and streets and created sanitation and public-health concerns.
It says residents have raised the matter with relevant authorities on multiple occasions but allege that no lasting solution has yet been implemented.
Among the measures requested are an immediate technical survey of the drainage network, cleaning and rehabilitation of existing drains, assessment of natural water-flow routes and development of a permanent system capable of safely carrying stormwater away from residential areas.
Residents have also sought measures to ensure that ongoing road or development works do not obstruct the natural passage of rainwater, as well as emergency arrangements such as dewatering equipment during periods of intense rainfall.
Concerns Amid Monsoon Season
The concerns come amid heightened attention to Islamabad’s monsoon preparedness.
The National Disaster Management Authority’s 2026 infrastructure advisory warns that localized intense rainfall and urban flooding can overwhelm drainage systems in metropolitan areas, threatening residential and transport infrastructure.
Ghouri Town Has Faced Similar Issues Before
The issue also has a longer history in Ghouri Town.
In an earlier CDA-linked crackdown reported in 2017, authorities said the Ghouri Town scheme had failed to develop infrastructure including a drainage network to the required standard.
Separately, residents of Ghouri Town Phase 4 complained in 2018 about sewage water inundating streets after sewerage lines became blocked.
Authorities Working on Drainage Measures
Islamabad authorities have meanwhile been focusing on drainage ahead of the monsoon.
CDA officials decided earlier this year to identify water-accumulation points and address obstructions along nullahs, while the authority is also pursuing a long-term water, sewage and drainage master plan for Islamabad with JICA.
The specific allegations contained in the residents’ representation, including the extent of current flooding and previous complaints, could not be independently verified from official records reviewed by Islamabad Tribune.
No response from the relevant authorities to this particular representation was immediately available.
