‘Flood relief activities being carried’

Punjab info minister says WASA and authorities are alert to prevent urban flooding

LAHORE:

Flood relief and rescue activities are being carried on efficiently across the province, said Information Minister Punjab Fayyazul Hassan Chohan in his statement regarding measures taken by the Buzdar government to deal with the flood situation caused by monsoon rains in Punjab.

“Around the clock and dedicated control room has also been set up for monitoring,” he said. He highlighted that WASA, district administrations and Provincial Disaster Management Authority have been alert 24/7 to prevent urban flooding in the cities.

As per the pre-monsoon arrangements, clogged drains were cleaned two months ago, he said.

Talking about long term preparations to avoid urban flooding, he said that after successful testing of the underground water storage tank in Lahore, approval has been given for setting up of similar projects in other cities of Punjab as well. “Round the clock monitoring of River Jhelum, River Chenab, Khanki barrage as well as other similar installations is underway to protect rural areas from floods,” he added.

He further remarked that desilting of 7,000 kilometres long water channels has been completed beforehand, while procurement of fiberglass boats, outboard motor engines, life jackets, generator sets and emergency lights has also been done to deal with the possible floods.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 30^th, 2020.