Govt departments to make all necessary arrangement for dealing with flood :CS Punjab

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal has directed relevant departments to make all necessary arrangement for dealing with possible flood and monsoon rains.

He was presiding over a high-level meeting to review pre-flood arrangements at Civil Secretariat here on Monday.

The Chief Secretary directed that the repair and construction work at river embankments be completed as soon as possible. He said that DCOs should personally visit dykes and identify the areas vulnerable to possible flooding.

The Chief Secretary also directed the provincial departments to extend full cooperation to district administrations. He said that the departments concerned should pay special attention to enhance their capability to deal with natural disaster. He directed that a comprehensive plan be devised for provision of boats and other necessary equipment to districts.

The Chief Secretary ordered the Energy Department to take special measures for ensuring smooth supply of petroleum products during any possible flood situation and enhance coordination with federal departments in this regard. He directed that mock exercises be carried out and meetings of district disaster committees be held regularly.

The Chief Secretary ordered the MD WASA Lahore to make special arrangements for draining rainwater during monsoon season.

DG PDMA Jawad Akram told the meeting that the central flood warning control room will start working from June 15 and district control rooms would send data to it on daily basis.  He said that boats, relief goods and other equipment would be provided to districts as per their demand.

Livestock Secretary Nasim Sadiq told the meeting that registration of farmers has been completed so that they could be provided help in case of possible floods. He said that vaccination of cattle has also been started.

Social Welfare Secretary said that a control room has been set up at the office of DG social welfare. Met Office representative told the meeting that monsoon rains in Pakistan would be normal this year but these would start late in the end of July.

Secretaries of Local Government, C&W, Irrigation, Information Departments, divisional commissioners, DCOs and other officers attended the meeting.