ROLE OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT FOR REDUCING THE IMPACT OF URBAN FLASH FLOOD IN RAWALPINDI, PAKISTAN

Abstract

The study was conducted to analyse the impacts of waste management services in reducing urban flash floods in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Rawalpindi is an old city with congested population and unplanned urbanization. The authorities such as Rawalpindi waste management company provided enough resources for waste collection system, however the resident of the area disposed their waste in the water courses. A questionnaire was developed to evaluate the public perception and satisfaction of waste management system in the area. The target public affected by flash floods, i.e. residing on the banks of eleven tributaries of Nallah Lai (major stormwater drains in the city). These tributaries are desilted every year by the authorities to keep up maximum discharge in short period of time. In public opinion, urban flash floods are caused by narrowing of channels due to waste disposal in these tributaries. Collectively, public expressed that the waste management and drainage services provided by the municipality are not enough and people need awareness and sensitization on proper handling of waste. The study concludes that the drains desilting activity helps in controlling the flash floods and has a meagre cost in comparison with loses (structural and non-structural). It is recommended that the authorities should include public in waste and flood management programs to overcome the impacts of flash floods.