Preparedness: Implementation of flood control plan ordered

Commissioner calls for liaison among the departments concerned

FAISALABAD: Divisional Commissioner Momin Agha on Thursday stressed the need for close liaison among the departments concerned to effectively implement a flood control plan.

“Necessary arrangements should be made and machinery put in place at sites vulnerable to floods,” the commissioner said at a workshop on a flood and monsoon plan, at Commissioner’s Office. Faisalabad DCO Salman Ghani, Chiniot, Jhang DCO Shaukat Ali Khichi and officers from Irrigation, Health and Livestock Departments were also present.

The commissioner said the contingency plan for floods should be effective. He said the strategy should cover evacuation, transport, rescue operation, relief activities, communications, security, camping, food, health, accommodation and livestock.

He directed the DCOs and Irrigation Department officials to regularly inspect river bunds and canal banks. He ordered that drains in the division be de-silted. He called for removing encroachments on drains in low-lying areas. A certificate to this effect should be provided, he said.

Agha said the flood warning system should be active and a directory be compiled carrying phone numbers of lumberdars, patwaris, teachers, retired government servants and prayer leaders.

The commissioner ordered that Crisis Management Centres be set up in addition to Flood Relief Committees. He asked Health and Livestock Departments to educate people about the importance of vaccination.

Agha said the staff concerned should be provided fluorescent jackets to be used in rescue operations, if the need be. The commissioner said that floods in River Jehlum and River Chenab were a big challenge for Chiniot and Jhang districts.

Agha said that he would visit the vulnerable areas and inspect flood fighting arrangements. He warned that any carelessness and negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. Action would be taken against the delinquent officials, he said.

Faisalabad Zone Chief Engineer Muhammad Nawaz briefed participants of the meeting about history of floods as well as the current situation in the region. He said remodeling of Jhang Flood Bund and Thatha Malah Flood Bund was underway. He said embankments of rivers and canals had been strengthened.

Trimmu Headworks XEN Yasin Azhar, Lower Chenab Canal Works SE Muhammad Nadeem and Sargodha XEN Muhammad Tariq Khan and Altafur Rehman gave briefings on flood fighting arrangements in their areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2016.