Minister Bharth orders completion of flood preparedness measures within 15 days

LAHORE, Jun 02 (APP): Punjab Communication and Works (C&W) Department has initiated pre-emptive measures ahead of the upcoming monsoon season and activated its field formations to safeguard roads and bridges from urban flooding and potential flood situations.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Provincial Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth here on Tuesday. Secretary C&W Raja Jahangir Anwar, special secretaries, additional secretaries and chief engineers attended the meeting, while superintending engineers (SEs) and executive engineers (XENs) participated online.

During the meeting, the minister was briefed on the rehabilitation of roads damaged during last year’s floods. Officials informed him that restoration and rehabilitation work on flood-affected roads had been completed at a cost of Rs16 billion.

Addressing the participants, Malik Sohaib Ahmed Bharth directed that all precautionary arrangements to deal with urban flooding and possible flood emergencies during the monsoon season be completed on a priority basis. He stressed the need to ensure the availability of pumps, backup generators and additional machinery for efficient drainage of rainwater.

The minister instructed all chief engineers, SEs and XENs to personally inspect bridges, culverts and drainage systems along roads in their respective jurisdictions and ensure their proper cleaning and maintenance. He further directed that all flood preparedness measures be finalized within 15 days and asked officers to remain actively engaged in field operations rather than working from offices.

Emphasizing inter-departmental coordination, the minister said close liaison with all relevant departments was essential for effective management of urban flooding and timely response to any emergency situation during the monsoon season.