Government negligence exacerbates nature’s work
Torrential monsoon rains that have played havoc in Balochistan, Sindh and South Punjab took late to arrive but were by no means unexpected. In fact, the Met had predicted more than normal rainfall during the season. While the prediction proved to be somewhat exaggerated, it nevertheless provided ample opportunity to the provincial governments to remove the well-known loopholes that had led to devastations in 2010 and 2011. There was, for instance, need to undertake timely repairs of the canals and drains which were breached during the last two years, inundating scores of towns, bringing several grid stations to a halt and destroying standing crops on thousands of acres of land. In cities, old and dilapidated buildings and structures in a precarious condition should have been repaired or raised. The provincial governments, however, failed to carry out their responsibilities. It was amply proved during the last two years that climatic changes were affecting the pattern of rains. There were unexpected downpours in areas considered outside the monsoon range and lesser rainfall in regions traditionally known for heavy rains. But the foreknowledge failed to mobilize the provincial administration to take timely measures which could have reduced human suffering and brought down economic losses.
Reports of old houses collapsing or rainwater causing breaches in canals and drains indicate that human negligence has again played a significant role in the catastrophe. Balochistan and Sindh happen to be the most affected provinces. In Balochistan, eleven districts have badly suffered from rains while five districts of eastern Balochistan have been cut off from the rest of the country after floodwater submerged railway tracks and highways. Thousands of people are still without shelter. In Sindh, over 100 persons are reported to have died so far in rain affected accidents. Thousands have been rendered homeless. In both the provinces, troops had to be called in to help in relief and rescue work. Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur are among the worst sufferers in Punjab. In Dera Ghazi Khan alone, 10,000 houses have been affected and 75,000 people displaced. Shelter, food and clean water are among the essential needs of the displaced persons. Many displaced people also need first aid. There are reports of lapses on the part of all the three provincial administration in providing relief.
Display of negligence when general elections are only months away could cause problems for all the three governments. Politicians who take their constituencies for granted may be up for surprises at a time when voters have more than the traditional two choices.
