- Punjab CM orders round-the-clock monitoring of rivers
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday instructed the officials and departments concerned to remain fully alert and monitor the rivers’ situation round the clock, as the Flood Control Authority issued a flood warning in Chenab River and directed the residents of 30 villages around the river in Gujranwala region to relocate to safer areas.
According to the officials, rains are expected in central Punjab districts, including Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mandi Bahauddin, Hafizabad and Narowal from September 21 to 24 due to which the water level in Chenab may rise up to 300,000 cusecs.
On the other hand, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Punjab says that all the rivers and streams are flowing as per routine but flood can be expected after rains.
‘PREPARE FOR THE WORST’:
Presiding over a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Flood through video conference at the Civil Secretariat, CM Sharif ordered that protective arrangements should be completed in the districts threatened by flood and immediate evacuation should be ensured if needed.
Sharif ordered that all institutions should finalise arrangements to cope with any situation arising due to recent rains, and there should be proper arrangements for food, medicine and fodder for livestock in the districts.
He said the situation caused by recent rains should be closely monitored and protective spurs and embankments be strengthened. He directed that in order to check illegal breaches, police should closely work with the administration and take indiscriminate action against the elements involved.
The chief minister instructed the cabinet committee to ensure immediate implementation of the decisions, and warned against toleration of laxity. He ordered that the departments concerned should ensure that boats, dewatering sets and necessary equipment were in order.
Sharif further ordered that advance preparation should be made with regards to a possible flood in the water channels of Gujranwala division, saying there was a need for effective coordination between the provincial and federal institutions.
Issuing instructions for assigning responsibilities to the ministers and secretaries, Sharif said they should review protective arrangements and preparations in their districts. He said timely provision of machinery and equipment should be ensured in case of any emergent situation and the control room should be functional round the clock.
On the occasion, the irrigation secretary gave a briefing on the water situation in rivers, while the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) director general informed about protective arrangements and availability of necessary equipment.
The Meteorological Department director general informed about the weather situation during the next few days.
The provincial ministers, chief secretary and authorities concerned participated in the meeting from the Civil Secretariat while the commissioners and district coordination officers attended the meeting through video link.
