Lahore: Lahore Division Commissioner Nauman Yousaf on Saturday reviewed flood preparedness in Nankana Sahib and inspected rainwater drainage operations in Lahore. He directed authorities to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, accelerate desilting work and ensure prompt response to protect lives and property. During a visit to Halla Waraich village in Nankana Sahib, the commissioner inspected riverbank erosion caused by the River Ravi and was briefed by Deputy Commissioner Rana Hameed on evacuation, rescue and relief arrangements.
Officials informed him that the Ravi was flowing at 54, 500 cusecs, although the water discharge had decreased by 8, 000 cusecs since the previous night. The commissioner also reviewed flood contingency plans for downstream areas from Head Balloki, visited relief camps established for possible evacuations and stressed that preparedness should remain at the highest level.
Later, accompanied by the deputy commissioner, he visited the Dek Nullah at Buchike and directed the district administration to deploy additional machinery for desilting choke points. He ordered round-the-clock desilting operations at both upstream and downstream locations to ensure the smooth flow of water.
During his visit to the Central Flood Monitoring and Control Centre in Nankana Sahib, Nauman Yousaf instructed officials to monitor the River Ravi’s flow every hour from Shahdara to accurately assess lead time for emergency response. He also directed authorities to keep a close watch on vulnerable riverbank locations identified after last year’s floods and complete all precautionary measures in advance. He said safeguarding human lives, livestock and property remained the government’s foremost priority and instructed officials to keep residents informed through timely public announcements.
Earlier, the commissioner also inspected rainwater drainage operations across Lahore after the city’s third spell of monsoon rain, visiting Mozang, Qurtaba, Jail Road, Faisal Chowk, Davis Road, Shimla Pahari and Lakshmi Chowk.
He directed WASA to deploy additional machinery to clear minor water accumulation on Davis Road and said continuous drainage operations had prevented prolonged waterlogging despite rainfall that began around 5:30 am. He added that emergency teams had been deployed at all critical locations, disposal stations were operating at full capacity and field staff remained ready to respond to any further rainfall.
The commissioner further directed the district administration to launch a comprehensive cleanliness operation immediately after the completion of drainage work, while continuing to prioritise the clearance of both major roads and low-lying areas.
