Monsoon deluge: Civil Defence unprepared to meet any emergency

An amount of Rs2.8 million was allocated for flood control in 2011-12.

ISLAMABAD:

With the monsoon on the horizon, the Civil Defence Department (CDD) of the capital still seems to be unprepared to cope with any emergency situation. The department lacks necessary safety gears and supplies -- thanks to the apathy of the authorities concerned, it has been learnt.

The department is responsible for providing emergency relief, especially in the rural areas, during the monsoon season. However, CDD is not functioning due to the lack of interest shown by the relevant authorities. This lag on the department’s part has been exposed many times in the past, especially during last year’s floods, when two men died when mud houses collapsed under the heavy rain in Nilore and two others died in Bhara Kahu, when a cab fell into the water while crossing the bridge.

Sources told The Express Tribune that CDD is ill-equipped to meet any emergency situation. The department has only two vehicles, two ropes and 34 employees. They added that the department has failed to establish a squad of divers to rescue people who are affected by flooding.

“Despite the two major incidents in two union councils, the department failed to establish a diving squad, even after four people lost their lives,” he added.

Sources further said that Interior Minister Rehman Malik  had also informed the Senate on May 10 that the government is resolute to redress the problems of CDD on a priority basis to help it emerge as a potent organisation, measuring up to the nation’s expectations during emergency situations. The minister decided to release previously blocked funds to CDD to strengthen its capability for meeting emergencies. “Even after the assurance of the minister in the upper house, the department has failed to play its role,’’ sources added.

CDD Assistant Director Syed Abrar Hussain Shah said the department is doing the best it can with the resources available.”As many as 35 volunteers participated in rescue operations during last year’s monsoon. Every year, we call in Pakistan Navy divers in emergency situations, because the department does not have its own squad.”

He added that before 1999, the department was working under the Capital Development Authority (CDA), but was later transferred to the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). However, many officials believe that CDD has lost its value. He further said that CDD Assistant Director Syed Ibrar Hussain Shah conceded that his department could not be made effective due to the lack of funds.

Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Amir Ali Ahmed said that an amount of Rs2.8 million was allocated for the department during the year (2011-12). He said the PC-1 summary for up-gradation of the department had already been forwarded to the chief commissioner’s office.



Published in The Express Tribune, June 22^nd, 2011.