LAHORE:
The first meeting of the 14-member committee, constituted by the chief minister to assess the loss caused by the floods in Dera Ghazi Khan and Bahawalpur divisions, was held on Saturday at the Punjab Assembly chambers.
The committee was constituted a few days ago to assess the losses in human lives, properties and crops and suggest adequate measures by the government in terms of exemption from land revenue, compensation to small farmers (below two acres of land holding) and measures for prevention of diseases (human and livestock). The committee members have already visited the flood-hit areas. Law Minister Rana Sanaulalh Khan chaired the meeting.
It was decided that Rs300 million should be provided immediately to the Irrigation Department so that the spurs and dykes in the area can be repaired.
The committee also agreed to press the federal government to immediately complete the Kachhi Canal project.
The committee was told that a comprehensive survey of the flood affected areas of Rajanpur and DG Khan will be carried out. The committee will produce separate reports about losses in urban and rural areas with the help of administration of affected areas.
Sanaullah said that the government would provide free seeds to farmers who own up to 12.5 acres.
The committee was also informed about relief activities by the provincial government in the flood-hit areas. They were told that 63,770 packets of dry ration, 35,000 rice bags of 20-kg each, 37,000 flour bags, 7,000 tents and 45,000 water bottles have been distributed so far.
Mobile dispensaries of the Health Department are providing medical facilities to the affected, the meeting was told. The Livestock Department has set up 32 camps where veterinary officers and 132 workers are providing medicines and vaccinating cattle.
The committee will submit its recommendations within a week to the chief minister. The affected villages may be declared calamity-hit. This committee will also submit its recommendations for the harvesting of next crop for affected farmers having up to 12.5 acres.
A report on provision of health facilities will also be prepared.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 16th, 2012.
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