Punjab Finalizes Heatwave and Flood Preparedness Plan, Says CM Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that the provincial government has completed a comprehensive preparedness plan to reduce the impact of heatwaves and potential flooding during the ongoing monsoon season.
Chairing a high-level meeting in Lahore to review disaster preparedness, the chief minister said all relevant departments and district administrations have been instructed to remain on alert and ensure timely implementation of preventive measures.
Focus on Prevention and Early Preparedness
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that effective governance depends on preventing emergencies rather than responding after damage has already occurred.
She said the provincial government is strengthening disaster management by learning from previous experiences and investing in infrastructure designed to reduce the risks associated with floods and extreme weather.
Flood Protection Projects Underway
The chief minister highlighted progress on several flood protection projects across Punjab.
According to officials, a 7-kilometre-long protective embankment in Jalalpur Pirwala, an area that experienced severe flooding last year, is close to completion.
She also said the Chandar Bun embankment in Alipur has been completed, while the Noor Raja Bhatta embankment, measuring 12.6 kilometres in length and standing 16 feet high, has also been finished.
In addition, authorities have inspected and secured irrigation structures across the province before the arrival of heavy monsoon rains.
Upgraded Monitoring and Emergency Response
The Punjab government has modernized its water monitoring system and restored damaged irrigation infrastructure affected by previous floods.
A new 48-kilometre embankment is also under construction in the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) area, which experienced flooding last year. Officials say flood-prone areas in Lahore have also been strengthened through preventive measures.
Support for Livestock and Public Health
The Livestock Department has completed province-wide mapping of animals to identify vulnerable locations and estimate fodder requirements ahead of the monsoon season.
The government has also arranged clean drinking water, essential medicines, mobile healthcare services through Clinics on Wheels, and mobile veterinary hospitals for areas that may be affected by flooding.
Officials said livestock vaccination campaigns have been completed, emergency fodder supplies have been stored in districts, and 710 modern vaccine storage units have been established across the province.
Emergency Control Rooms Operational
The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has activated its central and district-level control rooms to coordinate emergency response efforts if needed.
Maryam Nawaz directed all departments to maintain a high level of preparedness and warned that any negligence or unnecessary delays in responding to emergencies would not be tolerated.
The provincial government says its objective is to minimize the impact of extreme weather through early planning, improved coordination, and timely public services.
