SIALKOT: Three provincial ministers on Friday visited various areas of rivers Chenab, Jammu and Tavi near Head Marala here.

Later, Provincial Minister for Zakat and Ushr Malik Nadeem Kamran, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Dr Farrukh Javaid and Provincial Minister for Industry Chaudhry Shafiq reviewed flood prevention and safety measures being taken by the district administrations of Sialkot, Narowal and Gujrat to avert recurring flood threats and save these areas, their inhabitants, cattle and properties.

The same day, the Punjab Cabinet Committee on Flood held a meeting at Head Marala which was presided over by Committee Chairman.

Provincial Irrigation Secretary retired Capt Saif Anjum gave a briefing about the flood situation in rivers Chenab, Tavi and Jammu and seasonal nullahs Aik, Dek, Bhed, Baeen, Bassunter and Palkhu in the three districts.

He said the administrations of these districts were already monitoring the flood situation besides putting all the departments concerned on high alert. The meeting was further told that the flood situation was under control.

The ministers directed the officials concerned to ensure early repair, stone pitching and pavement of all damaged protective dykes, embankments and banks of the rivers and seasonal nullahs in these three districts.

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority Chairman Jawad Rafique Malik, Gujranwala Division Commissioner retired Capt Muhammad Asif, Sialkot District Coordination Officer (DCO) Dr Asif Tufail, Narowal DCO Rafaqat Ali Niswana, Gujrat DCO Liaquat Ali Chattha and local officials of the irrigation department also attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2016