CM stresses yearly flood prevention measures

During a visit to a remote area of Rajanpur to supervise the relief operation for flood victims, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif called for an effective plan for flood prevention and examined a proposal to build a dam to conserve the water of the Kaha hill torrent.

Noting that no loss of life had occurred due to the flood, she said the affected people should be fully supported and negligence in this regard would not be tolerated. She said arrangements should be ensured to protect local people against epidemics and other diseases.

The chief minister said the people of Rajanpur should not face a flood next year. An effective plan should be prepared every year to save people from becoming homeless.

She reached Hajipur, a remote area of Rajanpur, the last district of Punjab, and conducted an aerial inspection of the flood-affected areas of Fazilpur.

She observed the floodwater along the road and visited a flood relief camp established at the Hajipur Government Higher Secondary School in Fazilpur tehsil. She also inspected a medical camp set up for the flood victims in Hajipur and reviewed issues like the supply of medicines and availability of medical personnel for the victims.

The chief minister inspected the accommodation and food arrangements for the victims in the relief camp. She met the affected families at the camp and enquired from them about the arrangements and facilities. She also presented gifts to the children on the occasion.

She called for an effective plan for flood prevention and reviewed a proposal to build a dam to conserve water for Rajanpur district.

The chief minister said, "I am directing the commissioner to submit an estimate of the damage to crops and houses."

Punjab Irrigation Minister Kazim Pirzada and the Bahawalpur commissioner briefed the chief minister on the measures taken for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims.

She was apprised, "Areas of Jampur tehsil are flooded from Koh-e-Sulaiman, Chhachhar, Kala Baga Khosra and Kaha Sultan streams.

She was informed that 6,072 hectares of land had been affected in 54 villages of Rajanpur district.