SSUET Rrain Emergency Plan for Impending Monsoons

SSUET Proposes 'Rain Emergency Plan'

Karachi, June 27: Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology (SSUET) has prepared a 'Rain Emergency Plan' to avert any rain-related disasters in the city in view of the impending monsoons.

The plan, which includes action before, during and after rainfall, has stressed that storm water drainage system, roads, water supply, sanitation system and electricity should be in perfect conditions to avoid disaster after the rains. The plan proposes that the storm water drainage system needs strengthening, while the stabilisation of bank of storm water drainage on either side is essential to restore its natural state. The remodelling of outfall to permit flow of rainfall runoff, removal of obstructions in flow of rainfall runoff along alignment of the Nullah, de-silting and cleaning of storm water drains, repair of culverts, removal of solid waste from storm water drains and repair of catch pits along the drains are other suggestions made in the proposal.

Sanitation plays a key role in a city's infrastructure, hence, according to the research it is advisable that the weak segments of trunk sewers and sub trunk sewers are repaired before rains. The sewer cleaning machines, both suction and jetting should be ready for any eventuality. Extensive de-silting operation of sewers, replacement of missing manhole covers and the presence of de-watering equipment and stand by generators is essential before the rains.

"It is generally observed that rainfall confined with high tides adversely affects civic services in Karachi, and paralyses the routine life of citizens. This happens partly because suitable arrangements prior to advent of rainfall are not in place and partly due to the general tendency to go for ad hoc, make-shift solutions that depart from basic engineering principles," said SSUET Chancellor Z.A. Nizami while presenting the research.

Director of the Institute of Human Settlement and Environment (IHSE) Shahid Saleem, a civil engineer by profession, said that knowledge about rain-related problems and their solutions were of prime importance. "We have sent our research report to the City Nazim Syed Mustafa Kamal and waiting for the response. Hopefully we will be able to work together on the problem."