ISLAMABAD, Oct 5: The Federal Minister for Water and Power, Liaquat Ali Jatoi has directed the Federal Flood Commission (FFC) to carry out survey on safety of dams, particularly Tarbela and Mangla.

He gave these directions at a meeting held to review the Federal Flood Commission's performance on Tuesday. The minister stated that the survey reports of FFC and Wapda on safety of dams would be implemented on priority. He also directed the commission to complete study of Kotri downstream project within six to seven months.

The minister stressed desilting of and improvement in the drainage system, as the current one is not so efficient. Mr Jatoi also underlined the need for effective monitoring of flood protection works in the provinces and proper coordination and utilization of funds being released to the provinces for various projects.

The minister underlined the role of Federal Flood Commission in flood protection in the country. The minister also directed the Commission to expedite its efforts for completion of the on- going schemes in this regard.

The FFC Chairman, I.B. Shaikh gave detailed presentation to the minister on working of his organization. He informed the minister that the role of Civil Engineering Advisory Cell was to evolve National Water Policy and National Water Strategy, to examine the feasibility reports of water projects and to examine schemes in the field of water resources, irrigation and drainage.

He also apprised the meeting about the PSDP allocation for 2004-05 for flood programme to the provinces, Azad Kashmir and Northern Areas. He said Rs106.875 million has been allocated for Punjab, Rs77.50 million for Sindh, Rs27.500 million for NWFP, Rs20 million for Balochistan, Rs7.5 million for Fata, Rs2.5 million for AJK and Rs2.5 million for NAs.