Staff ordered to ensure safety of canal system in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Secretary Irrigation Asad Ullah has directed field engineers to enhance patrolling along the canals amid the start of monsoon to ensure safety and security of irrigation infrastructure in case of flood.

Chairing a meeting held in connection with flood management, he stressed to implement the recommendation of Safety Evaluation Cell of the Irrigation Department which has been established to ensure safety of canal system in Punjab. Asad Ullah Khan said in accordance with the recommendations of Safety Evaluation Cell, all the spurs must be inspected well before flood season while water capacity enhancement through de-silting and elimination of encroachments settled in the way of rivers flow must be ensured by the engineers of the department. He directed the chief engineers to personally monitor the flood protection works to safeguard the spurs and bunds in their respected zones.

The secretary said in order to coop with the dangers of floods, a flood risk assessment unit has also been established which is responsible to provide prior information about flood by using GIS System. This unit would also be very helpful to complete flood arrangements before the flood peaks.