The Ministry of Water and Power has increased the budget allocation for flood control up to Rs 500 million for next fiscal year as compared to Rs 350 million in 2003-04.
The Minister for Water and Power, Kana and Safron, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, stated this while presiding over the 39th meeting of the Federal Flood Commission held here on Thursday to review the flood prevention and control projects, and expedite the completion and effective implementation.
During the meeting, the minister expressed dismay over the utilisation and distribution of funds by the FFC among the federating units.
Aftab Sherpao took serious notice over the complaint of Balochistan for not receiving the funds allocated by the federal government. However, FFC brushed aside the Balochistan's plea by saying that the province has so far not been able to utilise approximately 50 percent funds on its flood control projects.
The Punjab has also complained about the 40 percent water shortage in cotton area while Federation rejected the plea by saying that the province is receiving more water than its allocated share.
The Federal Minister speaking on the occasion stressed the need for enhanced co-ordination and collaboration among the provinces and asked the FFC for early warning of floods.
He said that by this co-ordination only we could prepare for any flood crisis situation.
Secretary Water and Power, Saeedullah Jan, Federal flood commissioner, I B Sheikh and representatives of provincial irrigation departments, meteorological department, finance and others, also attended the meeting.
The meeting started with an overall briefing by the federal flood commissioner on the status of the flood warning, prevention and control projects.
The provincial irrigation departments explained the status of projects. The meeting also discussed the water situation and hoped that the reservoirs would be filled by the expected time.
Sherpao however said that as the rainy has been approaching, all necessary measures for the early warning and prevention of floods should be completed as soon as possible. He directed the provincial irrigation departments to complete all the necessary formalities for the projects so that the requisite funds may be disbursed, ensuring early and timely completion of the projects.
The minister also directed to finalise and review the flood control plans to ensure maximum safety of life and property. He asked the provinces to recheck the prevention 'bunds' and dykes, and repair the weak points to ensure their complete safety.
The minister also underlined the need for proper utilisation of the funds to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.
Aftab Sherpao also discussed in detail the flood warning systems and its different aspects like weather satellite imaging, weather radars, sharing of flood data with the neighbouring countries and an efficient early flood warning system.
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