Punjab Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique on Thursday said continuous measures were being taken to make Punjab flood-resilient under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif
LAHORE, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 13th Aug, 2026) Punjab Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management Khawaja Salman Rafique on Thursday said continuous measures were being taken to make Punjab flood-resilient under the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
He was chairing a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Disaster Management at the PDMA Head Office, held on the instructions of the chief minister. The meeting reviewed preparations for monsoon rains and a possible flood situation in detail.
Secretary Irrigation Wasif Khurshid, DG Khan, and commissioners of Bahawalpur, Gujrat and Gujranwala participated through video link, while deputy commissioners of Sialkot, Gujrat, Layyah and Narowal also attended the meeting virtually.
DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa briefed the meeting on measures taken to deal with monsoon rains. Various steps to prevent river erosion and reduce flood risks were reviewed.
The meeting considered a plan to construct a protective dam on the Ravi River in Tehsil Tandlianwala at an estimated cost of Rs28.5 million. Protective measures costing Rs131.6 million to prevent river erosion at Mouza Shamal on the left bank of the Chenab River were also reviewed.
The meeting also considered provision of Rs350 million on an emergency basis for the construction and rehabilitation of the bank in the Nala Dike System in Sheikhupura district.
A plan based on engineering and natural solutions to reduce flood risks at critical points of Bhid Nala and drains in Sialkot was also discussed.
A proposal was made to include the flood risk reduction project in Sialkot in the Annual Development Programme 2026-27 under Disaster Risk Reduction.
Preparations to deal with extreme heat and drought, along with measures to address potential risks, were also reviewed.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said Rescue services had been equipped with modern equipment worth billions of rupees to deal with emergencies. He said institutions had demonstrated exemplary performance during last year’s floods and stressed that the same spirit and preparedness should be maintained this year in case of urban or river flooding.
DG PDMA Muhammad Saif Anwar Jappa said the meeting reviewed river erosion and safety plans for the monsoon season in detail. Measures to protect agricultural land, villages and protective dams from river erosion were considered, while progress on ongoing river erosion projects was also reviewed.
He said immediate safety measures and future strategies for areas affected by river erosion were discussed. Pre-disaster and post-disaster mechanisms were being made more effective to minimize the impact of floods and other water-related hazards.
Jappa said PDMA Punjab remained in constant contact with district administrations and was ensuring the provision of all necessary resources. He directed that immediate rescue and relief measures be ensured in the event of any emergency.
