Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz chaired an emergency meeting to deal with water shortage in south Punjab, specially Bahawalpur and Cholistan. The Irrigation Secretary briefed about the inflow and outflow of water in rivers and canals. The CM directed to start relief operations on a war-footing basis and asked the administration and political team to supervise relief activities in affected areas. Temporary ponds should be produced and water should be immediately arranged through water bowsers in remote outback; he said and vowed to support the affectees. The situation was monitored 24/7 and instructions have been issued for regular monitoring of relief activities and ground situations in affected areas, he said. Every possible support would be extended and water scarcity hit areas are mostly focused, said Hamza Shahbaz. The CM asked the administration and political team to estimate damages in affected areas and submit a report to him. He also directed a crackdown to overcome the theft of canal water. Cases should be registered against those involved in water theft and no pressure should be tolerated, he emphasised. MPAs Sardar Awais Ahmad Leghari, Yawar Zaman, chief secretary, IG police, secretary agriculture and others were present.
