Devastation of floods: 5.23 million acres of land in 11 districts affected, says minister

Punjab Minister of Law, Rana Sanaullah talking about devastation of floods in Punjab Assembly here on Wednesday averred that 5.23 million acres of land in 11 districts of Punjab were affected. He said the Punjab government had so far dispersed aid of Rs 4 billion.
The minister apprising the House in its 20th session stated that 327 relief camps, 1,000 relief points were established by the provincial government in the relief effort. He stated that 55,000 tents were provided and 1,550 trucks loaded with relief aid were sent in the flood-hit areas by the provincial government. He said head of the UN told the world of magnitude of the disaster faced by Pakistan, which was greater than Tsunami.
The minister stated that 1.5 million patients were given medical aid including a vaccination drive in the flood-ravaged area. He said 5, 00,000 houses were hit by the floods. Aid given by the government comprised of 50 percent from the federal government and 50 percent from provincial government. He told that Rs one billion had been deposited in Chief Minister's Relief Fund at present.
Opposition Leader Chaudhry Zaheer-ud-Din speaking on the occasion averred that seven days time was available to forewarn of the devastation of floods as the water travelled from higher up areas to the lower grounds. He said some body should be made responsible for this lapse. He also spoke of rumour of breaking of embankments by certain influential and said this was pitiable. The leader of the Opposition mentioned good work done by Rescue 1122 in floods. He dilated that this facility was started during their government tenure. He thanked media for its services.
Senior Minister Raja Riaz emphasised on building of dams in the country and stated that it was very unfortunate that precious water was wasted. The law minister also introduced 'The Punjab Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2010' on the occasion. The Bill was referred to a Standing Committee to report back by November 30 this year. There were a number of privileges as well as adjournment motions presented on the occasion.
During the question hour, Minister Mujtaba Shuja u Rehman answering queries on Excise and Taxation dilated that in 10 month period of year 2008-2009 recoveries of Rs 7.31 billion were made. He said target of these recoveries was Rs 15 billion. Responding to a question the minister pointed that there was no tax on booking of shadi halls. The minister further told that evaluation of property tax was made on area wise evaluation table. This system he said was introduced in 2002. The House was later adjourned by the Chair.