Punjab Police have announced cancellation of leave of the personnel in the wake of threats of heavy rains and possible floods.
As part of a plan to deal with any uncertain situation arising out of a flood-like situation, the department is also moving for setting up a comprehensive system of police communication in calamity hit/sensitive areas to ensure that information is not blocked.
Punjab Police have also drawn out a plan to set up a disaster related control room in every district.
Issuing the orders, Punjab IG Rao Sardar Ali Khan said, “During the precautionary arrangements, 100% attendance should be ensured by canceling leave of all the staff during the flood season.”
June 21 and 22 were the hottest days of the year in Punjab.
The high-ups are perturbed over the unusual spell of heavy rains during the week. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had also issued an alert in this regard.
Police are among the first responders whenever such a situation arises. Besides providing security and ensuring the law and order situation, they also have to ensure a smooth flow of traffic.
Punjab IG Rao Sardar Ali Khan has ordered the field officers, all the Regional Police Officers (RPOs) and the District Police Officers (DPOs) and heads of different formations to make precautionary measures in view of the threat of heavy rains and possible floods.
In a written letter to them, the Punjab Police chief called for a comprehensive strategy to protect precious human lives, livestock, sensitive installations, national resources, machinery etc.
The IGP also ordered setting up of flood control rooms at the district level. He asked the field officers to identify suitable places for setting up of rescue and relief camps.
Khan also called for a comprehensive system of police telecommunication for uninterrupted transmission of information.
He said backup of reserve personnel of police force should be made mandatory to deal with any emergency situation at sensitive places.
He also ordered coordination with WAPDA authorities for an alternative power supply system in case of suspension of electricity.
The Punjab IG directed the DPOs to liaise closely with the deputy commissioners of their respective districts to play their active role in relief activities.
Safety first is the rule of every organisation responding to a natural calamity, he reminded the police force.
He directed the Additional IG PHP to ensure availability of relief and rescue equipment such as boats, life jackets and staff at all river checkpoints across the province.
Khan further directed the field officers of Punjab Police to keep in touch with district administration of their districts, PDMA, irrigation department and rescue and field officers of other departments concerned.
He stressed upon taking emergency measures in districts where floods had been forecast by the PDMA.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2022.
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