Multan: Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique on Tuesday visited flood-hit areas and protective embankments in Jalalpur Pirwala. The minister reviewed flood management arrangements and protective measures in detail. DG PDMA Saif Anwar Jappa accompanied him during the visit. Talking to media, Khawaja Salman Rafique said protection of human life and property was the top priority of the Punjab government, directing all departments to remain on full alert.
He said the two protective embankments at Jalalpur Pirwala and Nooraja Bhutta had been constructed at a cost of nearly Rs 2 billion. He added that Rescue 1122 and other concerned departments had been provided modern machinery and rescue equipment worth billions of rupees to deal with floods and other natural disasters.
The Punjab government had already provided resources for flood protection in all districts, including Multan, he said.
The minister inspected flood embankments, rescue arrangements, the evacuation plan and relief preparations on the occasion, and directed timely completion of protective projects along with availability of all necessary resources.
He commended the performance of the commissioner, district administration and concerned departments for strengthening flood management in light of last year’s experience.
Commissioner Multan Aamir Karim Khan gave the minister a comprehensive briefing on flood management arrangements in Multan division. He informed him about permanent protective measures taken after last year’s floods, saying the 7. 2-kilometre Jalalpur Pirwala protective flood embankment had been completed, which would protect the town from the backflow of the River Chenab.
He said the flood contingency plan, evacuation plan and rescue plan had been fully implemented. For the first time this year, separate evacuation points and relief camps had been established, he added.
Digital mapping of flood-affected areas along with data on focal persons and resources had been completed, the commissioner said, adding that rescue institutions had completed their drills and that the control room and all concerned departments were on high alert.
He said the current river situation was normal, but complete preparations were in place to deal with any emergency.
MPAs Lal Muhammad Joiya and Nazuk Karim Laang, Deputy Commissioner Multan Dr Faisal Saleem, Additional Commissioner Revenue Akhlaq Ahmed, Director Emergency Dr Hussain Mian and Chief Engineer Irrigation Muhammad Azeem were also present.