Caretaker Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi presided over an emergency meeting of Punjab Cabinet at CM Office Sunday. During the Punjab Cabinet meeting latest flood situation and preparations as well as precautionary arrangements with regard to spilling water in rivers by India was reviewed.
Secretary Irrigation apprised during the briefing that water level is increasing in the dams being built by India at River Ravi and Sutlej while the dam being built at Ravi is filled with 90% water and the dam being built at Sutlej is filled with 70% water. The Cabinet was informed during the briefing that there is a likelihood of more rains in the catchment areas of Ravi and Sutlej and India can spill more water in Ravi and Sutlej. There is a danger of flooding in both the rivers. Caretaker CM Mohsin Naqvi ordered Irrigation department, PDMA, Rescue 1122 and the administration to remain alert with regard to the latest flood situation and spilling of water by India.
Mohsin Naqvi directed to prepare a plan to timely evacuate the population present inside the bed of River Ravi and Sutlej. CM Mohsin Naqvi while ordering all Commissioners to take precautionary measures on an emergency basis stated that all preemptive measures should be given a final shape for the safety of village people present inside the bed of both rivers. Mohsin Naqvi asserted that no negligence or lapse will be tolerated under any circumstance with regard to timely evacuation of population. Mohsin Naqvi directed that Commissioner Lahore and other divisional Commissioners should ensure implementation of the formulated plan in case of an emergency.
Mohsin Naqvi directed that the administration should constitute mobile teams to provide edibles and medical facilities. CM Mohsin Naqvi ordered that the water situation in the rivers should be monitored all the time, adding that the concerned departments should be kept informed of each and every second about the arrival of water being spilled by India. Provincial Ministers, Chief Secretary, Inspector General of Police, Additional IG Special Branch, Chairman P&D and concerned officials attended the Provincial Cabinet emergency meeting. Provincial Minister Doctor Jamal Nasir, Adviser Kanwar Dilshad, Additional Chief Secretary (South Punjab), all Divisional Commissioners and other officials participated in the meeting via video link.
