Four breaches of DG Khan canal have been plugged:Malik Ahmad Ali Olakh

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Agriculture and Irrigation, Malik Ahmed Ali has said that four breaches of DG Khan canal RD-316, 300, 148 and 322 have been plugged while two big breaches RD-206 and 226 will soon be filled in.

He said this while talking to affectees after reviewing the work of filling breaches of DG Khan canal. He said that heavy machinery has been brought from other districts. He said that after the inquiry of breaches occurred in DG Khan canal, the persons responsible will be awarded punishment. He said that flood is a natural calamity, therefore, instead of political point scoring, attention should be paid to the rehabilitation of the affectees.

Malik Ahmed Ali said that the possibilities of flood will be minimized by strengthening and raising the banks of DG Khan canal. However, draining out flood water and returning affectees to their homes is top priority of the Punjab government, he added. Expressing his satisfaction over the pace of work, Malik Ahmed Ali asked the residents to cooperate with the administration and take part in the relief activities.

He said that 26 flood camps have been set up in the flood affected areas for the protection of animals from diseases besides 9 mobile dispensaries are also working. He said that thousands of animals have been vaccinated so far while sick and injured animals are also being cured. He said for the provision of balanced diet 900 bags of Anmol wanda have also been distributed. He directed District Livestock Officer and Regional Director Livestock Multan to ensure best treatment to animals.

On this occasion, Chief Engineer Irrigation informed that DG Khan canal water has been closed, however, due to narrow passage the movement of heavy machinery is facing difficulties. He said that efforts are being made to fill the breaches. He said that Irrigation Department was ready to cope with the flood situation, but due to excessive water than expectations the problems increased. Secretary Irrigation Khalid Masood, Abdul Majeed Bhatti, Ch. Muhammad Yaqoob, Conservator Forests, Shahid Pervaiz Khan, DFO Mian Zahoor Ahmed, XEN Abid Rasheed, Rana Muhammad Afzal, SDO Muhammad Azeem Mastoi and other concerned officers of Irrigations Department were also present on the occasion.