Maryam orders flood preparedness across Punjab

LAHORE: Given possible rains, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities concerned to thoroughly clean rivers, canals and drains across Punjab.

“Encroachments and obstacles in the nullahs should be removed,” Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed during her visit to the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) head office on Wednesday.

She added, “Given possible floods, timely evacuation of the population should be planned. Inform people of the affected villages about the places of accommodation and food. Along with human lives, livestock should also be shifted in time.”

She wondered when early flood warning systems were in use all over the world, why not in Pakistan.

The chief minister said, “In case of rains, immediate drainage of water should be ensured in every city. Wherever there is a risk of flooding, early measures should be taken. Timely and authentic flood information should be delivered. Encroachments should be removed in way of hill torrents, and monitoring should continue round the clock.”

She also visited the central control room of PDMA and observed the Weather Portal, Flood Forecasting Division and Flood Simulation Model.

Earlier, the irrigation secretary, chief meteorologist and PDMA DG gave a detailed briefing on flood preparedness in the province. They said due to the fear of possible floods, daily reports have been sought from most of the districts. In view of possible flooding, instructions are issued to inform the public in affected areas of evacuation plans.

It was also mentioned in the briefing that normal and above-normal rains were expected in Pakistan in the next three months. A report on the status of all barrages, link canals, main canals, drainage systems, etc., was also presented in the meeting.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz during her visit to the ADA Nala Walton Road Remodelling and Upgradation Project directed the authorities concerned to open Walton Road’s three carriageways to traffic by September. She also directed the opening of the six-way ADA Drain on Walton Road on both sides by October 2024.

The chief minister reached the Walton Road to assess the problems faced by the people and inspected the construction of drains and roads. She also inspected the traffic situation at the Defence Junction.

Maryam also visited Haji Park, Rajgarh, to review the pilot project of the Lahore Development Model in Union Council 53. Under the Lahore Development Model, concrete, cobblestone, tuff tiles and coloured floors were made. The chief minister inspected the model streets and reviewed the quality of work. Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz expressed grief over the deaths of four people in a traffic accident near Rajanpur.