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Tuesday April 30, 2024

Flood combat

We have been facing massive devastation due to floods since 2010 but it is surprising that no concrete measures have been taken to mitigate the suffering of flood-hit people and the consequential loss to property, crops, livestock, etc. Why has nobody raised the issue to earmark funds in the budget

By our correspondents
July 31, 2015
We have been facing massive devastation due to floods since 2010 but it is surprising that no concrete measures have been taken to mitigate the suffering of flood-hit people and the consequential loss to property, crops, livestock, etc. Why has nobody raised the issue to earmark funds in the budget to combat floods? Was punitive action taken against anyone for not strengthening dykes/embankments along rivers and canals? Why have encroachments been allowed along numerous nullahs and drains?
There is a need for NDMA and PDMA to prepare for flood emergency in advance. Moreover, the meteorological department should issue alerts to relief agencies so that people and their belongings can be evacuated. A major chunk of funds should be diverted towards efforts to combat floods. Forestation should be prioritised. Water storage facilities should be built on a war footing. The Ministry of Planning, Development and Reforms should also address the flood issue in Vision-2025 on priority.
Engr R Riaz Akbar
Wah Cantt