Khizar Hayat Gondal reviews preparations for monsoon rains

Lahore: A meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Punjab Khizar Hayat Gondal reviewed preparations for monsoon rains here on Thursday.

The Chief Secretary directed relevant departments to finalize all arrangements and remain alert to deal with any untoward situation during monsoon season. He directed that in monsoon plan special measures be taken regarding dilapidated buildings and draining rainwater from low-lying areas. He ordered that all machinery be kept operational for draining rainwater during monsoon season and encroachments and debris along drains and nullahs be removed immediately.

He said that the departments concerned should pay special attention to enhance their capability to deal with natural disaster and all provincial departments should extend full cooperation to district administrations in making effective arrangements for monsoon rains.

Secretary Housing Dr. Arshad Mehmood told the meeting that a survey of dilapidated building has been completed and a proposal is being prepared for re-construction and repair of these buildings. Local Government Secretary Khalid Masood Chaudhry told the meeting that TMAs have completed all necessary preparations for monsoon rains and officers of the department have visited different Tehsils for checking arrangements. He said that instructions have been issued to TMAs for making special measures for draining rainwater from low-lying areas.

The meeting was attended by Khwaja Ahmad Hassan, secretaries of different departments, Director General Rescue 1122, Commissioner Lahore Division, DCO Lahore, Director Flood Forecasting Division, and other officers.