Punjab Government set up a Flood Warning Centre

Lahore : Punjab Government has set up a Flood Warning Centre which has started its work .

This was stated by  Provincial Minister for Irrigation Amanat Ullah Khan Shadi Khel while presiding over a departmental meeting, here today.

The Flood Warning Centre will remain in contact with district governments, Provincial Disaster Management Authority and other departments in connection with flood forecast and steps for protection against floods.

He said that SoPs of flood fighting plans have been prepared for all 54 canal divisions and handed over to field formation. Irrigation Department has completed joint inspection process with Pak Army in the areas facing flood threats, he added. He said that exercises for protection against floods in such areas have been completed.

The Minister informed that committees have been constituted under the supervision of Deputy Commissioners for monitoring of spurs of canals and rivers. He said that the committees will play their role with the cooperation of Irrigation Department in case of breach in river and canal banks and during any emergent situation. He said that field staff of Irrigation Department will remain present on duty round the clock during monsoon.

He said that teams of Flood Safety Evaluation Cell set up in the light of monitoring of infrastructure of rivers and canals at Irrigation Department are sending their reports to Chief Engineers of concerned zones in the light of which authorities of Irrigation Department are ensuring steps for protection against flood. He said that Irrigation Department is working on 18 new projects of 2.29 billion rupees in new financial year for protection against flood.

Amanat Ullah Shadi khel said that financial assistance for the heirs of those died in different accidents due to heavy rains has been increased from Rs. 5 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh. He said that financial assistance for persons injured in accidents has also been increased. He said that Punjab Chief Minister has placed his helicopter at the disposal of Provincial Cabinet Committee on Flood and its members will use it for their visits.

He said that flow of water is being monitored 24 hours in hill torrents of Sialkot, Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur while orders have been given for removing encroachments around the nullas including Nullah Lai.

He said that Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners are paying visits to protective spurs and bunds. He said that flood emergency control rooms are being kept functional 24 hours at provincial, divisional and district level.