Directs monitoring of water flow in rivers, hill-torrents in DG Khan, Rajanpur
Amraiz Khan
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Friday directed the line departments to remain alert round the clock to deal with possible monsoon floods, saying the provincial government has decided to provide every possible resource to the administration to deal with this threat.
While chairing a meeting held to review arrangements for flood emergency, the CM directed to construct underground water tanks in Faisalabad and other major cities to store rainwater, asking the commissioners to devise a plan in consultation with Wasa in their respective areas.
The meeting reviewed arrangements for dealing with floods and it was decided to ensure implementation of the water drainage plan in letter and spirit.
The chief minister underscored that timely disposal of rainwater is necessary and commissioners, DCs and Wasa officials would be questioned in case of delay.
“The citizens should not face any difficulty due to rains”, the CM stressed and directed to keep in view emergent urban needs and the size of the population while planning a new sewerage system.
“The line departments should outline their emergency plans to deal with any untoward situation.”
He directed to monitor water flow in Sialkot nullahs round the clock besides water flow of hill-torrents in DG Khan and Rajanpur should also be monitored. The chief minister asked the commissioners and DCs to visit embankments in their areas.
The CM also directed to devise a plan for storing water of Khushab’s hill-torrents and it was decided, in principle, to construct a dam for the purpose.
The foundation stone of the Sorra Dam project in the Koh-e-Suleman area will be laid soon to store the water of hill-torrents for human use and irrigation purposes.
He directed for early completion of the feasibility study of four dams in Koh-e-Suleman and sought a report about implementation of a province-wise emergency plan.
The SMBR and irrigation secretary informed the chief minister that water flow in rivers is normal and food and aid is provided to affectees in Mianwali village.
Similarly, 180 flood camps have been established in Punjab to deal with any emergency situation and the latest radar system has also been handed over to Rescue 1122.
Meanwhile, water flow in Chenab River at Chiniot is 140000 cusecs and water flow of Chenab River at Marala is 98000 cusecs. The water capacity of Khanki, Balloki, Trimmu, Panjnad and Islam Barrage has been improved.
Provincial Ministers – Mehmoodur Rashid, Mian Khalid Mehmood, Secretary Local Government, DG Rescue 1122, DG PDMA, MD Wasa and others officers attended the meeting while commissioners and Wasa MDs participated through video link.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar took notice of a news item aired by a private TV channel about the illness of a cancer patient girl student Farida.
He directed for the constitution of a medical board for her treatment and announced that the Punjab government will bear the expenses. The government will also take care of her family, he added.
Meanwhile, the patient has been admitted to Vehari DHQ Hospital and the CM has prayed for her early recovery.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Usman Buzdar expressed a deep sense of sorrow over the loss of lives due to the capsizing of a boat in Chenab River near Chiniot and extended sympathies to the bereaved heirs.
The CM also sought a report from Commissioner Faisalabad and directed to expedite rescue operation to search other persons.
