RAWALPINDI - Hundreds of dilapidated buildings in the garrison city pose serious risk as an old vacant house near Railway Station collapsed during heavy downpour recently.
According to details, an old dilapidated house which was lying vacant for the last 15 years near Railway Station collapsed during rain on Saturday night. The debris of the collapsed building was spread in the street. However, nobody was hurt in the incident. Residents of the area said that the matter was brought before Rawalpindi Cantonment Board (RCB) but the civic body turned a blind eye towards the issue.
They were of the opinion that government or owners of dilapidated houses should repair or demolish these houses as these dilapidated structures have become a constant threat for the lives of inhabitants and others particularly children playing in the street.
Other people of the area also expressed their sentiments over the situation in Cantonment area. It was learnt during a visit to different areas near Gawalmandi, Mareer Hassan, Pirwadhai, Khayaban-e-Sir Syed that houses in the slum areas could collapse during heavy rain.
These houses have outdated drainage system and are prone to the threat of collapse.
On the other hand, owners of the dilapidated buildings said that they have been living in these houses from generations, adding that it was not possible for them to vacate or renovate their residences on their own.
It merits mentioning here that city district government Rawalpindi had issued notices to around 300 dilapidated buildings but no concrete steps have been taken to secure lives of inhabitants and others living just around these buildings.  
Meanwhile, rainwater inundated houses located in downtown areas of the garrison city due to choked, old and outdated sewerage system, which needs replacement at the earliest.
Rainwater accumulated due to outdated sewerage system in downtown and areas adjacent to Leh Nullah entered houses and shops causing immense inconvenience and problems as residents of these areas spend rainy period in drying their houses instead of enjoying downpour during summer season.
People from low laying areas talking to INP said that they had tough time in draining out water as many parts of the city including Bazaar Kallan, Dingi Koi, Raja Bazaar, Akalgarh, Nadeem Colony, Javed Colony, Dhoke Ratta and other areas were inundated under one and a half feet water.
It should be mentioned here that recent rains in the city exposed tall claim of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) of removing hurdles from nullahs and sewerage system which lessen flow of water. Moreover, old and outdated sewerage system in the city needs replacement at the earliest.
Online adds: Water levelling Nullah Korang of Islamabad has risen considerably, forcing local government authorities to declare an emergency.
Meanwhile progress of 21 proposed overhead bridges has been delayed indefinitely, causing great difficulties for masses to travel.
The resident are forced to travel through travel through the tiding nullah by hand driven lift at union council’s Sohan’s Zia Masjid point. It is pertinent to remember that Nullah Korang has caused/continues to cause loss of lives due to its volatility.
Meanwhile, rain/thundershower is likely at scattered places of upper/central Punjab and Kashmir while at isolated places of Khyber Pakhtunkhaw and Bahawalpur division during next 24 hours.   
According to meteorological department, seasonal low lies over Northwest Balochistan. Monsoon currents are penetrating in upper parts of the country.
Isolated rain-thundershower occurred in Upper/Central Punjab, KP, Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan occurred during the last 24 hours.