PM puts Punjab administration on alert ahead of monsoon rains

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday expressed his annoyance over the failure to make timely arrangements to drain the rainwater from Northern Lahore’s areas, reported the 24NewsHD TV channel.

The prime minister, who chaired a meeting to review the preparedness ahead of predicted rains in North Punjab, particularly Lahore, directed all deputy commissioners of the districts to take precautionary measures for the protection of the life and property of the citizens with the start of torrential rains in the province

He ordered an inquiry and fix the responsibility on the officials concerned over their failure to overcome the flooding situation caused by recent rains in Lahore.

He instructed the provincial government and the district administration to fix the responsibility for poor water drainage, and immediately suspend the officials showing any negligence.

The prime minister instructed to ensure full preparedness in the wake of rains predicted in the next few days.

The administration should particularly remain alert during Eid-ul-Azha and formulate an emergency plan to deal with the possible situation caused by the rains, he added.

He said that the problems related to the procurement of machinery for water drainage in the city should be resolved on an urgent basis.

He also directed the relevant authorities to carry out strict monitoring of hide collection across the province to keep the proscribed outfits away from the activity.

Prime Minister Shehbaz asked the administrations to decide on sanitation as well as for the disposal of offals on Eid.

He said the special complaint centers and control rooms must work round the clock for public facilitation keeping in view the Eid-ul-Azha and monsoon season.

Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, the Lahore commissioner, and other senior officers attended the meeting.