LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said the provincial government successfully implemented an effective monsoon management strategy, resulting in significantly improved rainwater drainage compared with last year despite heavier rainfall.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, she said construction was underway on 189 kilometres of water drains across the province, while 27 new disposal stations were being established and the capacity of 59 existing disposal stations was being enhanced.
Bokhari said WASA had been provided with 969 new machines, all of which are operational across Punjab. She added that machinery is also deployed from neighbouring districts whenever required.
She said Lahore received 450 millimetres of rainfall, while Gujranwala, Sialkot and Narowal also experienced exceptionally heavy rain. Despite this, the relevant departments ensured timely drainage and quickly cleared underpasses and major roads.
The information minister said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz personally monitored the monsoon situation and regularly received reports from across the province. She added that Suthra Punjab teams, WASA and district administrations remained active in the field throughout the rainy season, while river, dam and barrage conditions were being monitored continuously.
Also read: Punjab rivers continue to face flood situation amid monsoon rains: PDMA
Bokhari also said the Punjab government was gradually shifting overhead electricity wires underground and continuing beautification projects in markets, streets and public squares. She added that the underground wiring project was being financed through the provincial government's own resources.
She urged citizens to take precautionary measures during the monsoon season by keeping children away from electric poles and low-lying areas and avoiding weak roofs and dilapidated buildings. She added that eligible applicants under the Safe Roof Programme could receive financial assistance of up to Rs1 million to construct an additional storey on their homes.
Referring to Murree, she said tourists were being warned in advance about potential landslides, while flood control rooms had been established in every district and local administrations were continuously monitoring rainfall and possible flooding.
Commenting on the Azad Kashmir elections, Bukhari said voters in Mirpur Division rejected protest calls and turned out in large numbers to cast their ballots. She said the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz sought public support on the basis of its performance, manifesto and development projects.
She added that welfare initiatives in Punjab, including the Green Bus service, laptop and scholarship programmes, the Apna Ghar scheme, vocational training and employment initiatives, had received widespread public appreciation, and claimed that people in Azad Kashmir also wanted similar development and public services. She urged political parties to seek votes on the basis of their performance rather than engaging in allegations.