Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Malik Nadeem Kamran has directed that committees including Mayor or Chairman of District Council as its member be formed at district level for verification of death compensation cases.
Chairing the 13th meeting of Cabinet Committee on Flood Control at Civil Secretariat here on Wednesday, Malik Nadeem Kamran said that natural calamities like floods can be dealt with in a better manner through planning and coordinated efforts, adding that departments should focus on building capacities to deal with disasters.
Expressing satisfaction over preparedness against possible floods, the Chief Secretary Capt (r) Zahid Saeed said that all departments should remain alert as the water level in rivers and reservoirs is increasing during current month. He said that federal and provincial departments should enhance coordination for effective monitoring of water flows and weather. He directed the deputy commissioners to personally visit embankments and identify the areas vulnerable to possible flooding. He also ordered them to accompany members of Cabinet Committee during their visits so that implementation of instructions could be ensured without delay. He ordered that in monsoon plan special measures be taken for draining rainwater from low-lying areas and de-watering sets and others machinery be kept operational during rains. He also issued directions to DG Rescue 1122 to resolve staff shortage issue in district Layyah.
PDMA DG Mudassar Waheed Malik told the meeting that boats, relief goods and other equipment have been provided to districts as per their demand. PDMA is in contact with relevant departments and ready to deal with any untoward situation, he added. Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Riaz briefed the meeting that rains are expected in Rawalpindi, Gujranwala and Lahore Division during the next 24 hours. Those among present were: provincial ministers, administrative secretaries of different departments, officers of departments National Highway Authority, Pakistan Railways whereas deputy commissioners joined the meeting through video link.
