The Ministry of National Food Security and Research is planning to start a Zero Hunger Programme aiming at attaining food security and reduce malnutrition in the country.
The programme would be launched in collaboration with the World Food Programme, according to official document. The programme implies coordinated approach with several ministries to achieve its targets and will reach to 12 million food insecure people in one year (20% of total affected population) with a cost of $ 1.04 billion.
Out of the total cost, the government has already sanctioned 200 million while the rest amount would be contributed by donors and other sources of funding, it added. A total of 61 million people will be reached with total cost of 16 billion dollars in five years time.
A National Council for Food Security, comprising of representatives of federal and provincial governments, private sector and civil society will be established to carry forward the programme. A consultative workshop in this regard has already been held in March 2012 to produce a set of guidelines and frameworks for National Zero Hunger Action Programme and the operational strategy.
Rainwater draining pipes stolen: The pipelines meant for draining rainwater were stolen from the newly constructed Chandni Chowk Flyover, which has affected drainage of water.
The officials of the Punjab Highway Department and National Logistic Cell have expressed concern over the incident, saying that some unknown thieves have stolen five to seven pipes fitted on the flyover, disturbing the drainage of rainwater and causing inconvenience to motorists and commuters.
The officials have lodged a report in New Town police station for action against the thieves.
On the other hand, LED lights could not be installed on the flyover yet while a committee, headed by the Punjab chief minister, has been formed on the subject. However, temporary lights have been installed on the flyover.
Project Xen Rana Basharat said that control of the Chandni Chowk Flyover, after its completion, would be handed over to the tehsil municipal administration, adding that theft of the pipes was an unfortunate incident.
