‘Finalise plans for monsoon rains’

Chief Secretary said departments should enhance their capability to deal with natural disasters

LAHORE: Chief Secretary Zahid Saeed has directed the district coordination officers to finalise arrangements for monsoon rains and remain on stand by to deal with any emergencies.

Chairing a meeting via video link on Thursday, the chief secretary reviewed preparations for monsoon rains. He said plan should be evolved with special measures to be taken for draining water from low-lying areas.

He said de-silting of drains and torrents should be carried out and the machinery should be kept operational during the monsoon season. He also issued instructions regarding removal of debris from construction sites.

He said departments should enhance their capability to deal with natural disasters and extend full cooperation to district administrations in making effective arrangements for monsoon rains.

The chief secretary directed the housing secretary to inspect de-watering sets and other equipment in the districts.

A representative of the Local Government and Community Development Department told the meeting that TMAs had completed preparations for monsoon rains and officers of the department had visited various tehsils to inspect the arrangements.

The meeting was attended by the finance and local government secretaries, the DCO and the WASA managing director.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2016.