Head above water: Rs31b allocated for protection against floods
Punjab irrigation secretary submits report in top court
An aerial view of the flood-hit area of Boddomali in Sialkot. PHOTO: APP
ISLAMABAD:
Authorities in the federal capital have allocated a sum of Rs31 billion for the improvement of flood works. This was shared by the Punjab irrigation secretary in his report submitted to the apex court pertaining to the implementation of the Flood Commission’s report recommendations.
The allocation is part of the phased National Flood Protection Plan drawn up under the long-term strategy of an integrated Flood Management System.
Marvi Memon, a former legislator of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid currently associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, had requested the court in September 2011 to order the revival of the Flood Commission. This was with a view to determine if the government had failed to carry out its Flood Commission recommendations.
Despite four years having lapsed, no action has been taken against Taunsa Barrage employees nominated by the Punjab Inquiry Tribunal. The report states the proceedings of the inquiry could not be completed due to the transfer of conveners and members.
The report, however, says that the inquiry proceedings of Jinnah Barrage were completed and the officials responsible have been penalised. The director general of the Anti Corruption Establishment in Punjab has been requested to expedite finalisation of the case registered against the officers of Jinnah Barrage.
The report also states that Flood River Plain Act 2015 is framed and approved by the cabinet. It will be placed before the provincial assembly for further approval soon.
“After the 2014 floods, a flood management committee with eminent technical expertise was constituted by the CM Punjab. The recommendations of committee were presented to chief minister Punjab on March 17”, says the report.
The report states that exercises to test pilot the new flood fighting plans with army and civil administration has been carried out. “All ponds areas have been cleared of all sorts of encroachments.”
The report further claims that Flood Warning Centre has been strengthened in terms of human resource. To increase the discharge capacity of hydraulic structure for the easy flow of flood water, a project “Enhanced Capacity of Barrages” is being implemented.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2015.
Authorities in the federal capital have allocated a sum of Rs31 billion for the improvement of flood works. This was shared by the Punjab irrigation secretary in his report submitted to the apex court pertaining to the implementation of the Flood Commission’s report recommendations.
The allocation is part of the phased National Flood Protection Plan drawn up under the long-term strategy of an integrated Flood Management System.
Marvi Memon, a former legislator of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid currently associated with the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, had requested the court in September 2011 to order the revival of the Flood Commission. This was with a view to determine if the government had failed to carry out its Flood Commission recommendations.
Despite four years having lapsed, no action has been taken against Taunsa Barrage employees nominated by the Punjab Inquiry Tribunal. The report states the proceedings of the inquiry could not be completed due to the transfer of conveners and members.
The report, however, says that the inquiry proceedings of Jinnah Barrage were completed and the officials responsible have been penalised. The director general of the Anti Corruption Establishment in Punjab has been requested to expedite finalisation of the case registered against the officers of Jinnah Barrage.
The report also states that Flood River Plain Act 2015 is framed and approved by the cabinet. It will be placed before the provincial assembly for further approval soon.
“After the 2014 floods, a flood management committee with eminent technical expertise was constituted by the CM Punjab. The recommendations of committee were presented to chief minister Punjab on March 17”, says the report.
The report states that exercises to test pilot the new flood fighting plans with army and civil administration has been carried out. “All ponds areas have been cleared of all sorts of encroachments.”
The report further claims that Flood Warning Centre has been strengthened in terms of human resource. To increase the discharge capacity of hydraulic structure for the easy flow of flood water, a project “Enhanced Capacity of Barrages” is being implemented.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2015.