Negligence by Drainage Department Leads to Child’s Tragic Death in Rasool Nagar

Chief Minister Punjab, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, had issued specific instructions under the flood prevention scheme to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance of drainage systems. However, the officials of the drainage and sewerage department completely ignored these orders, leading to a tragic incident. Due to the lack of timely cleaning of the main drainage canal in Rasool Nagar (a town in Punjab, Pakistan), the canal became clogged and stagnant, turning into a filthy pond after the recent rains. The accumulated water, left untreated, not only spread unpleasant conditions in the surrounding areas but also posed severe health and safety risks.

In a heartbreaking incident, Sanwal, a 12-year-old boy, son of Safdar Muslim Sheikh, drowned while playing in the stagnant water of the canal. The canal, which had been neglected by the drainage department, had filled with rainwater, turning it into a deep and dangerous pool. Despite several complaints by local residents, including Sanwal's father, to the Head Qadirabad Drainage and Sewerage Office, no action was taken to clean the canal. The child's death has raised questions about the negligence and incompetence of the relevant authorities.

The negligence has also resulted in rainwater flooding nearby homes, creating additional difficulties for residents living near the canal. Local citizens reported that, apart from filing complaints with the drainage department, they had specifically referenced Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s flood protection orders when asking for the canal’s cleaning. Yet, the authorities not only ignored public complaints but also disregarded government directives, leading to a preventable tragedy.

The residents of Rasool Nagar are now demanding that higher authorities take strict action against the responsible officials of the drainage and sewerage department. They seek immediate intervention to prevent further incidents by ensuring the proper maintenance of the drainage system. The incident has also put pressure on the Punjab government to ensure that district-level compliance with flood management directives is strictly enforced. This tragic loss of a young life has sparked widespread public outrage, with many calling for the immediate accountability of negligent officials.

The failure to act on time has highlighted the need for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that flood-prevention measures are properly implemented. Local residents are hoping that the government will take serious notice of the incident and prevent such tragedies in the future through swift and effective action.