LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a thorough cleaning of rivers and canals across the province in anticipation of a projected 35 percent increase in monsoon rainfall this year.
During her visit to the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) head office on Wednesday, the chief minister chaired a meeting to review measures for the province's readiness for the upcoming monsoon season.
Maryam underlined the need for timely and accurate flood information dissemination, continuous monitoring of flood dams and the urgent implementation of preventive measures across the province.
She highlighting the need for immediate drainage arrangements in cities and towns prone to flooding.
Maryam expressed concern over the country’s lack of an effective early flood warning system, and called for proactive measures wherever flood risks are identified.
The CM also emphasised the removal of encroachments and obstructions from river channels like Rod Kohi [a type of irrigation system]. She also underscored the need for timely evacuation plans not only for human lives, but also for livestock, should floods occur.
At the PDMA office, Maryam received detailed briefings from the irrigation secretary, chief meteorologist and PDMA director general on the province's readiness for the upcoming monsoon season.
A comprehensive report was presented detailing the current status of barrage link canals, main canals, drainage systems and dams.
The report highlighted forecasts predicting above-normal rainfall across Pakistan over the next three months.
Maryam instructed for a thorough cleaning of Punjab's drainage systems and ordered the submission of daily updates from all districts due to concerns about potential flooding.
She also stressed the importance of informing residents in at-risk areas about evacuation plans, as well as ensuring they are aware of available accommodations and food supplies in case of flooding.
The chief minister also visited the PDMA central control room, where she reviewed the weather portal, flood forecasting division and flood simulation model to assess their preparedness.