CDA reviews pre-monsoon preparedness in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD, Mar 09 (APP):Chairman Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Muhammad Ali Randhawa on Monday chaired a meeting at CDA Headquarters to review preparations ahead of the upcoming monsoon season and assess emergency response arrangements in the federal capital.

The meeting was attended by CDA Member Administration and Estate Talat Mehmood, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Director General Capital Emergency Services, Director General Environment, officials from the engineering wing and officers from the Islamabad administration.

Speaking at the meeting, Randhawa said the purpose of the session was to ensure advance preparedness to deal with emergency situations that may arise during the monsoon.

He said the Capital Emergency Service would play a leading role in managing monsoon-related emergencies.

The CDA chairman directed officials to identify low-lying areas and locations vulnerable to flooding, particularly those affected during the previous monsoon season, and asked departments to propose preventive measures based on past experiences.

During the briefing, the Director General Capital Emergency Services informed the meeting that water rescue training had been conducted for staff with the support of Chinese experts and the Pakistan Navy to enhance the department’s operational capacity. Personnel have also been trained to respond to flash flooding situations.

Officials told the meeting that inspection of flood-fighting equipment and the cleaning of streams and nullahs have been initiated as part of pre-monsoon measures.

It was also shared that a Flood Control Room would be established to ensure inter-departmental coordination, along with identification of vulnerable areas and the development of an effective warning system.

The meeting was further informed that the Capital Emergency Services department has formed specialised water rescue teams consisting of 12 members each to respond to emergencies during the monsoon season.

Randhawa directed authorities to remove illegal encroachments along streams and nullahs before the onset of the monsoon and ensure the availability of equipment, including water pumps and dewatering sets, to deal with any untoward situation in a timely manner.

He emphasised that comprehensive planning and timely arrangements before the arrival of the monsoon season are essential to minimise risks and ensure public safety.