Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Thursday directed all relevant departments to fully mobilise available human resources, machinery and emergency response teams to effectively tackle urban flooding, hill torrents and possible flood emergencies across the province during the ongoing monsoon season.
Chairing a high-level meeting to review the monsoon situation and the performance of various departments here, the chief minister instructed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), WASA, Rescue 1122, Local Government Department, district administrations and other agencies to remain on maximum alert and ensure close coordination in all flood-prone areas.
Expressing concern over rain-related electrocution incidents, she directed the Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) and other power distribution companies to immediately address safety hazards caused by exposed and dangling electricity wires. ‘People are losing their lives because of the negligence of power distribution companies. Hanging electric wires on utility poles have become a serious threat to human life,’ she said.
The meeting was briefed by WASA and other departments on the province’s monsoon preparedness, drainage operations and emergency response measures.
CM Maryam Nawaz directed authorities to maintain an effective complaint redressal mechanism through the WASA helpline and ordered strict enforcement of the ban on bathing in rivers, dams and barrages. She also approved the use of drones to monitor vulnerable locations and support rescue operations.
The CM instructed district administrations to disseminate timely weather advisories and flood warnings through mosques, electronic media and social media platforms. She also ordered that all construction sites be properly secured during the monsoon season and directed officials to inspect dilapidated buildings, ensure voluntary evacuation where necessary, and secure manholes, drains and roadside pits to prevent accidents.
She ordered the immediate drainage of rainwater from residential areas, markets and other public places on a priority basis and appealed to parents to keep children away from rivers, canals, flood channels and other dangerous locations.
The CM directed the Health Department to deploy Clinics on Wheels to affected areas equipped with anti-snake venom, essential medicines and supplies to prevent waterborne diseases.
In view of the risk of urban flooding and hill torrents, she ordered advance warning and timely evacuation measures in Multan and Dera Ghazi Khan, while directing that flood control rooms remain operational round the clock in every district. In Murree, she instructed authorities to evacuate landslide-prone areas as a precaution and issue regular public announcements to warn tourists about potential risks.
CM Maryam Nawaz further directed PDMA, NDMA, WASA, Rescue 1122 and all relevant departments to maintain seamless coordination throughout the monsoon season. She also ordered the provision of additional dewatering sets to districts according to operational requirements.
Expressing satisfaction over the government’s response, the chief minister said areas that had previously remained inundated for several days or even weeks were now being cleared within hours because of timely planning and improved coordination.
Despite forecasts of heavier rainfall linked to climate change, she said, the government’s advance preparations had proved effective. She noted that, after decades, Gujrat witnessed rapid rainwater drainage, preventing widespread flooding in the city.
Highlighting recent improvements, Maryam Nawaz said the establishment of WASA operations in 41 districts had significantly strengthened the province’s drainage capacity. She added that 1,000 dewatering sets and sucker machines had been provided to WASA formations, while an additional 660,000 tonnes of desilting had been completed. Authorities also cleaned around 4,000 kilometres of sewerage lines, more than 225,000 manholes and 724 kilometres of drains across Punjab.
To further enhance flood response capabilities, the chief minister announced that another 207 state-of-the-art dewatering sets would be imported from Italy and supplied to WASA.
She also appreciated Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, Housing Minister Bilal Yasin, Local Government Minister Zeeshan Rafique, the deputy commissioners of Gujrat, Gujranwala, Okara, Lahore and Murree, as well as officers and field staff of all departments, for their dedicated performance during the ongoing monsoon season.