KARACHI, May 25: The drainage and irrigation schemes under the Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) and Chotiari Reservoir projects were reviewed at a high- level meeting held at the Governor’s House here on Wednesday. The meeting also reviewed the ongoing construction work of the underpass at Schon Circle.

After discussing various aspects of these projects, it was decided that approval from the prime minister be sought in matters concerning the federal government.

The governor directed the irrigation department to arrange for funds and technical staff for regular maintenance of the Chotiari Reservoir. He called for adopting effective measures to meet any possible flood situation, and said that steps for shifting of the population, that always faced flooding, to safer places should be given due consideration.

With regard to the Schon Circle underpass, the governor directed that due care be taken viz-a-viz the convenience of people and the alternative routes be kept open and clear.

The FAO officials at the meeting told him that the project had been remodelled keeping in view the expert’s opinion. They pointed out that the work had been hampered due to the delay in the shifting of utilities. They maintained that now when the work was being carried out round the clock, the project hopefully would be completed within the stipulated time.

Those who attended the meeting included Sindh Irrigation Minister Nadir Akmal Leghari, Secretary Finance Malik Asrar and senior officials of Planning Commission, Wapda and 5-Corps Engineering and Irrigation.—APP/PPI