All possible steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of the flood affected people:CM Punjab

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that all possible steps are being taken for the rehabilitation of the persons affected by recent rains and flood in the districts of South Punjab. He said these affected people would also be provided tents, quilts, and blankets before the onset of winter season. He directed the concerned authorities to expedite rehabilitation work of the calamity-stricken people, while Irrigation Department should chalk out long term planning to minimize damages caused by floods and torrential rains.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting held, here today in connection with the relief and rehabilitation activities being carried out for flood affectees in the districts of South Punjab. The meeting was attended by Senior Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Members Assembly Sardar Fateh Muhammad Buzdar, Aasma Mamdot, Chief Secretary, Senior Member Board of Revenue, Secretaries of Agriculture, Local Government, Health, Irrigation, Communication & Works and Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority besides officers of the concerned departments. Addressing the meeting, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that the Punjab government would not leave flood affectees of DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts alone, and all out efforts would be made to compensate them for the damages caused to their houses and crops, as a result of flood and rains. He said that government machinery ought to work with the same passion, as was displayed during rehabilitation of flood affectees in 2010. He directed that the survey of damages should be transparent. He further directed to make accurate estimation of damages caused to canals, drains, and irrigation system by floods and rains and necessary steps should be taken for this purpose on emergency basis. He said that strict action would be taken against those displaying laxity and failing to take timely preventive steps during floods and torrential rains. He directed the head of high-level committee set up in this regard, Senator Sardar Zulfiqar Khan Khosa to submit its report at the earliest.

The Chief Minister directed Secretary Irrigation to make comprehensive plan for the repair of protective embankments and dykes and maintenance of instruments relating to flood control. A detailed briefing was given to Chief Minister, during the meeting about the damages caused by floods and torrential rains in DG Khan, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan.