01 June 2004	Tuesday	12 Rabi-us-Saani 1425

LAHORE, May 31: The Punjab Flood Commission on Monday was directed to make its warning centres functional by June 14. Besides, all the provincial government departments and district governments were directed to remain alert and complete all the prescribed flood and rain emergency arrangements to protect the lives and property of citizens during the monsoons.

These directions were issued at a meeting held at the Board of Revenue offices here to review the arrangements for meeting the flood and rain emergency with provincial Relief Commissioner Safdar Javaid Sayed in the chair.

Senior officers of all provincial government departments and representatives of the Pakistan Army and Pakistan Railways attended the meeting. The Irrigation department was directed to complete inspection and reinforcement of all the protective bunds and embankments in the province before the rainy season.

Engineers of 4-Corps Headquarters were entrusted with the responsibility of maintenance of relief and rescue equipment including the boats and ensure that these were ready for use in the event of any emergency.

Police Telecommunication Department was directed to install wireless communication sets at all the headwork's and vulnerable points. The Communication and Works was directed to establish flood emergency centres, sub-centres and submit daily reports in respect of road traffic movement in the province besides diverting traffic from flood-hit roads to alternate routes.

The Livestock and Dairy Development Department was directed to make arrangements for prevention of contagious diseases of cattle and their vaccination.

Similarly, the Wasa was asked to complete desilting of drains and sewerage system and get its dewatering sets repaired by June 30. The Health department was directed to make arrangements for chlorination of water and preventive inoculation.

The Information department was entrusted with the task of publication and broadcasting of flood warning announcements. The City District Government and Lahore Cantonment Board were asked to demolish the dangerous and dilapidated houses after a survey and ensure cleaning and repairs of roads before the rainy season.

The CDGL would also establish Flood Emergency Centres at town level to be manned by task forces of Wapda, Wasa, Irrigation, Highways, Civil Defence, Buildings and Health department.