Chief Secretary Punjab Yousaf Naseem Khokhar has directed Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to finalize all arrangements to cope with possible floods, besides asking the relevant departments to remain alert due to prevailing uncertain weather conditions. He was presiding over a meeting during his visit to PDMA office here on Saturday. Speaking at the meeting, the Chief Secretary said protection of life and property of people is the prime responsibility of the government, adding that natural calamities like floods can be dealt with in a better manner through planning and coordinated efforts.
He directed that a comprehensive plan be prepared regarding provisions of boats and other equipment in districts. He said that federal and provincial departments should enhance coordination for effective monitoring of water flows and weather as advance information about rains can help adopt precautionary measures. He asked the PDMA to focus on its capacity-building and prepare a proposal regarding human resource and other requirements. He directed the officers to identify the areas vulnerable to possible flooding. “Meetings of district disaster management committees should be held on regular basis and mock exercises should also be conducted,” he added. 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.
PDMA DG told the meeting that boats, relief goods and other equipment have been provided to districts as per their demand. A control room has started working in Lahore for early warning of flood and monitoring. PDMA is in contact with relevant departments and ready to deal with any untoward situation, he added. The meeting was attended by senior member board of revenue and officers concerned.