Commissioner orders proactive measures to prevent urban flooding ahead of monsoon

SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Apr, 2026) Commissioner Hafiz Shaukat Ali directed all relevant departments to take proactive

measures to prevent urban flooding ahead of the monsoon season, stressing 100 percent

compliance with pre-flood contingency plans.

Chairing a meeting here on Monday, the commissioner instructed authorities to remain

on high alert and ensure 100 percent compliance with contingency plans.

During the meeting, deputy commissioners from Sargodha, Khushab, Mianwali, and Bhakkar briefed participants on pre-flood arrangements, contingency plans, and designated flood relief camp sites.

The chief engineer irrigation provided updates on the condition of flood embankments, ongoing projects, timelines, potential hill torrent risks, and drainage system improvements.

He stressed the importance of identifying low-lying areas, improving drainage systems,

accelerating desilting operations, and ensuring the availability of machinery and staff to

handle any emergency situation.

“All departments must enhance coordination and maintain an active field presence to ensure

a swift response in case of any emergency,” he said, adding that a comprehensive strategy

should be adopted to ensure timely drainage of rainwater in urban areas, while rural areas

should not be neglected in preparedness efforts.

The commissioner also directed that all ongoing Punjab Development Programme (PDP)

projects be completed before June 30, with round-the-clock work to meet deadlines.

The managing director WASA informed that the first phase of sewerage desilting had been

completed, while work on the second phase was continuing round-the-clock. He also

outlined the department’s preparedness to tackle urban flooding.

He instructed the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) to expedite desilting in urban areas, while local government departments should carry out the same responsibility in areas where WASA is not operational.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Sargodha Hussain Ahmad Raza Chaudhry, Chief Engineer Irrigation Sadaqat Latif, senior administrative officers, and representatives from relevant departments, both in person and via video link.