The Punjab government has launched emergency measures to control riverbank erosion in Layyah following directives from Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Provincial Disaster Management Authority Director General Saif Anwar Jappa visited the affected Samra Nasheeb and Basti Kanjal areas, where heavy machinery has been deployed and work started on constructing a spur to check riverbank erosion.
Deputy Commissioner Asif Ali Dogar and senior officials from the Irrigation Department and the PDMA accompanied the DG during the visit. Jappa inspected the machinery, stonework and ongoing construction and received a briefing from Irrigation Department officials on the situation.
Speaking to local residents, the PDMA chief said immediate action had been initiated on the Chief Minister’s instructions to contain erosion and prevent further damage. He said the Punjab government, district administration and PDMA were standing with affected residents and would make every possible effort to protect local communities and infrastructure.
Jappa said authorities would also explore the construction of a flood protection embankment as a long-term solution. Other feasible measures to divert the river’s flow would also be considered, he added.
The PDMA DG directed all relevant departments to coordinate and take every possible step to protect residential areas and infrastructure from further damage. He ordered continuing the rescue and relief operations in the affected areas.
He also directed officials to submit daily reports on the progress of erosion-control measures.
Meanwhile, flood relief camps have been established in the affected areas. Jappa said residents would be provided with all necessary facilities and instructed officials to arrange food hampers for the affected families.
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