KARACHI, July 12: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said here on Tuesday that had the Kalabagh dam been built in time, the present flood situation could have been averted and sufficient water stored for proper utilization during spells of water shortage.

He made the observation while presiding over a high-level meeting held at the Chief Minister’s House to review the flood situation and relief measures.

The meeting was attended by Governor Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim, provincial Irrigation Minister Nadir Akmal Leghari, Senior Finance Minister Syed Sardar Ahmed and senior officials.

The president said the overall situation was not alarming but the agencies concerned should keep a strict vigil at barrages and dams to cope with any emergency.

He appreciated the role of army, especially in the timely repair and strengthening of the Sukkur Barrage.

“If the barrage had not been repaired and strengthened in time, one cannot imagine how much loss would have occurred,” he said.

He also lauded the army’s services in relief and rescue operations all over the country.

He praised the provincial government for putting in place a flood control and monitoring system and taking prompt measures to handle the situation efficiently, due to which no loss of life had occurred.

The president also observed that the provincial government had made adequate relief efforts and stressed the need for patrolling minutely and vigilantly so that even a minor breach could be timely checked.

Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim briefed the meeting on the desilting campaign aimed at ensuring supply of irrigation water to tail-end users.

Minister for Irrigation Nadir Akmal Leghari gave a detailed briefing to the president on flood protection measures, infrastructure, position at different dams and barrages, expected discharge of water during the season and the strategy adopted to tackle any emergency.

He said the irrigation department had identified some 137 vulnerable points out of which 10 were most vulnerable and round-the-clock check was being maintained at those places.

He said required manpower, machinery and communication system had been organized and a close liaison was being maintained with the departments and agencies concerned.—APP