Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed the concerned federal and provincial departments to complete all preparations in view of recent rains for the protection of life and property of the people against any calamity or a possible flood.

“No negligence or laxity would be tolerated in this regard,” he said while addressing a three hours long videoconference on Saturday during which arrangements for coping with possible flood in the province were reviewed in detail.

Shahbaz said federal and provincial departments should keep a close contact and remain vigilant to cope with any emergent situation, adding that moment-to-moment information should be exchanged and in its light, necessary arrangements should be made. He said that administration of concerned districts should monitor the arrangements being made for dealing with potential flood. “There should be no lack of coordination among federal and provincial institutions and strict action will be taken in case of any negligence. All precautionary arrangements should be completed in the districts and immediate evacuation of the population be ensured in case of flood threat,” he added.

The chief minister directed the Cabinet’s sub-committee to review the arrangements by visiting south Punjab. He directed the committee to complete the programme of saving of people against flood in Nullah Aik within a year, saying that all out resources would be provided for increasing the capacity of Nullah Aik. He added that this project should be forwarded on priority basis.

He also directed to continuously monitor the flow of water in dams and keep a close contact with federal departments in this connection. He directed Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to provide abundant stock of relief goods in the districts where rains are expected, adding that indiscriminate action would be taken against those making illegal breach in bunds.

The chief minister also directed to make arrangements of medicines, vaccination and fodder for animals. He said that Rs 100 million have been released to the concerned districts for coping with any emergent situation and relief activities, adding that the safety arrangements should be effective and comprehensive in all respects and boats, dewatering sets and other equipments should be in 100 percent working condition. He said that timely provision of machinery and equipments be ensured in any emergent situation and control room should work round the clock.

Members of the Provincial Cabinet Committee on Flood participated in the meeting from Civil Secretariat whereas national Disaster management Authority (NDMA) chairman, Meteorology DG, WAPDA authorities, SUPARCO and concerned federal departments from Islamabad and commissioners of concerned divisions, DCOs of concerned districts and authorities of different departments also attended the meeting through video link. The Meteorology director general gave a briefing regarding weather situation during the coming days whereas Irrigation secretary, PDMA acting DG, NDMA chairman and senior authorities of other departments informed the meeting regarding arrangements being made by their departments.