The meeting started with director general Punjab Disaster Management Authority who apprised the Chief Minister regarding their preparedness for upcoming monsoon season. He claimed that the procurement of necessary items was underway and would be completed on time and then it would be delivered to the districts.
He said that all departments had submitted their contingency plans. Furthermore, mock exercises have been completed and DDMAs monthly meetings were also conducted by all districts, he told the CM during the meeting.
The presentation from DG NDMA infuriated the chief minister who expressed his grave concerns regarding delay in the procurement of critical items and observed that all critical procurement must have been completed by March. Afterwards, showing his dissatisfaction with the preparedness status of provincial bureaucrats, the CM directed “Third Party Validation” of at least 30 per cent of flood related equipment/machinery and 100 per cent TPV of blankets and tents procured by PDMA for monsoon/flood season to have accurate assessment.
Shahbaz further directed the chief secretary Punjab for monitoring the inspection of the procurement. The CM was also angry with provincial bureaucrats for not following the matter of provincial investment for installation of radar in Southern region to upgrade the forecasting ability of PMD.
The annoyed CM directed the IGP for ensuring deployment of sufficient staff to sites identified by irrigation department to stop illegal breaches of dykes and transportation plan for boats to the critical sites in times of disaster may be coordinated in an efficient manner keeping in view the last year experience.
He further directed TPV of de-silting work performed by the HUD/PHE department and WASA and to present him report during the next meeting. He further directed the secretaries of the departments concerned to visit eight districts to view arrangements to counter floods and no lapse in this regard would be tolerated.
