CM orders swift rainwater drainage across Punjab

LAHORE, Jul 21 (APP): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday directed all commissioners, deputy commissioners and relevant departments to remain in the field and ensure the swift drainage of rainwater across the province, saying even a moment of inconvenience to the public was unacceptable.

Following her directives, WASA teams, district administrations and other civic agencies remained fully active, completing drainage operations within hours in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Mandi Bahauddin and other rain-affected districts.

According to official reports, Gujranwala received 250 millimetres of rainfall, while rainwater was removed from affected areas through coordinated efforts of civic agencies and district authorities.

The CM ordered continuous monitoring of the rain situation across Punjab through Safe City cameras and directed officials to maintain a strong field presence until all low-lying areas were cleared.

In Sialkot, rainwater was removed from Allama Iqbal Road, Kotli Behram, Commissioner Road, Khadim Ali Road, Tehsil Bazaar, Railway Road, Raghpura Road and Paris Road, restoring traffic flow and normal public movement. De-watering machinery and operational staff remained deployed until drainage work was completed.

Expressing satisfaction over the timely response of the Sialkot administration, the chief minister said drainage operations should begin immediately after rainfall and be completed in the shortest possible time.

She said that protecting citizens from inconvenience remained the government’s top priority and directed authorities to continue monitoring all districts, particularly low-lying areas, to ensure no rainwater remained accumulated after the monsoon showers.