PD minister orders increased capacity of Mangla

Minister says all disasters can be dealt with more effectively through better coordination

LAHORE: Provincial Planning and Development Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran on Thursday directed departments to increase the capacity of Mangla Dam to store water required to cultivate crops.

Chairing the meeting of Cabinet Committee on Floods Control, he appreciated the performances of all provincial departments and committee members during the monsoon season. He said natural calamities, like floods, can be dealt with in a better manner through coordinated efforts. He added departments should focus on building capacities to deal with disasters.



He directed deputy commissioners to ensure precautionary measures in case of any urban flooding during Eid holidays as predicted by the MET department. He also appreciated all divisional and deputy commissioners for their efforts to cope with recent rains during the monsoon season.

Expressing satisfaction over preparations against possible urban flooding, Disaster Management Provincial Minister Mehr Ijaz Achlana said he personally visited the Rawalpindi Division and observed arrangements.

He also directed deputy commissioners to remain vigilant during Eid due to possible flooding after the predicted rains. Achlana said practical efforts were needed to overcome challenges and the district administration, along with relevant departments, would coordinate with each other in case of an untoward situation.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority Director General Mudassar Waheed Malik briefed the meeting about the implementation of important decisions taken by the cabinet committee. "PDMA is in contact with relevant departments for the effective implementation of these decisions," he added.



Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz briefed the meeting and said scattered thunderstorms were expected in Bahawalpur, Multan, DG Khan, Sahiwal, Gujranwala, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Faisalabad Divisions during the next 24 hours. "Moderate rainfall is likely to continue from September 1 to 2, 2017", he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 2^nd, 2017.