Sialkot’s Kotli Loharan Faces Severe Flooding Amid Drainage Crisis
Kotli Loharan, Sialkot – Residents of Kotli Loharan, a peri-urban community on Sialkot’s outskirts, are battling severe flooding as stagnant waters refuse to drain properly into the Khannay Wala Nullah. The eastern side of the town is submerged under 6 feet of water, while the western side faces slightly lower levels.
Tensions have risen between residents on both sides over culvert dismantling proposals meant to divert water into the nullah. Efforts by locals and the district administration have been stalled by opposition from western-side residents, concerned their homes may be further submerged.
Deputy Commissioner Saba Asghar Ali explained that the flooding stems from subdivided agricultural land and unplanned residential development, with inadequate drainage infrastructure aggravating the situation. The Aug 26 flood, caused by 917,525 cusecs of water at Head Marala, has already damaged two bridges, 46 culverts, 36 roads, and over 340,000 acres of cropland.
The town still lacks a modern drainage system, with domestic and storm water running through decades-old sewage lines. Although the Punjab Intermediate Cities Improvement Investment Programme, supported by the Asian Development Bank, planned upgrades, pending engineering and desilting work has delayed implementation.
Residents continue to rely on relief camps and community efforts as authorities work to manage rising floodwaters and prevent further loss.
