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LAHORE, Nov 28 (APP): Punjab Health Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee for Disaster Management, Khawaja Salman Rafique, announced comprehensive advance arrangements to combat potential floods, in line with directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Chairing a high-level meeting at the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Head Office on Friday, he highlighted the PDMA’s full support to district administrations across the province. He stated that in view of the instructions of the Punjab Chief Minister, advance arrangements are being planned to deal with the upcoming floods.
The meeting approved four schemes totaling Rs 340 million aimed at bolstering flood defenses. Key highlights included a Rs 186 million initiative for the construction and repair of protective embankments in Shahbazpur, Changanwali, Mahmoodabad, and Lal Chak in Gujrat district. Discussions also covered measures to prevent river erosion in the villages of Gagiana, Bharana, and Najabat in Jhang.
Director General PDMA Irfan Ali Kathia provided briefings on the Winter Procurement Plan 2025, anticipated snowfall in Murree, and the Chief Minister Punjab Flood Rehabilitation Program 2025. The session also reviewed six protection schemes to mitigate floods and river erosion.
Among the approved projects are Rs 98 million for flood protection in the Nadala sector of Gujrat district, Rs 98 million to prevent erosion from the Munawar Towi River in Surkhpur, Gujrat district, Rs 49 million to address land erosion in Gujrat Nallah Bhimber, Gujjar Kotla village, and Rs 95 million to combat river erosion affecting local populations and Landi Pitafi in Muzaffargarh.
The meeting evaluated the performance of various departments, commissioners, deputy commissioners, and officials involved in recent flood relief operations, with their efforts receiving high praise. Deputy Commissioner Rajanpur briefed attendees on protective measures in the Pachad Rud hills.
Relief Commissioner Punjab Nabeel Javed and other senior officers were present in person, while Commissioners from Faisalabad, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Gujranwala participated via video link. Deputy Commissioners from Jhang, Gujrat, Muzaffargarh, and Rajanpur also attended.