Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has constituted special rescue teams to assist the inhabitants of low lying areas and ensure foolproof protective arrangements for them amid heavy monsoon rain.
These teams would be active in low areas including Khana Pul, Sohan, Korang Nullah, Shezad Town, Sihala, Bhara Kau, Tarlai, I-9, I-10, H-11, Zero point, Sabzi Mandi, Koral and slum settlements, the sources within the district administration said. On Saturday, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Hamid Ali Khan visited low-lying areas and held a special meeting to review flood protection plan for ICT, they added.
These special rescue teams would consist of Assistant Commissioners, Magistrates, and officials of Rescue 15 police, volunteers of civil defence department and doctors. It was informed that ICT Administration is ready to implement Flood Protection plan during the current monsoon season in Islamabad in close co-ordination with all concerned departments.
A control room has also been set up in the office of Deputy Commissioner, Islamabad that would work round-the-clock to ensure effective co-ordination among all departments. The sources said that Islamabad Capital Territory has been divided into four sectors, ie City, Sadar, Rural and Secretariat with a view to ensure the protection of life and property of the people during monsoon rains especially with additional protective measures in the low lying areas of Islamabad.
Chief commissioner Islamabad Hamid Ali Khan directed the concerned officials to ensure the protection of life and property in the surrounding low lying areas of Rawal Dam, Simly Dam, Korang
river and other tributaries and shifting of the people to the safer places. It was decided in the meeting that rescue teams would remain alert along with all necessary equipment including boats, de-watering sets. It was also decided that Capital Development Authority would be requested to ensure better and safe sewerage facilities especially for newly constructed road and bridges.
It was also decided that traffic police would conduct survey of road fall in low-lying areas and alternate routes to ensure flow of traffic. District Health officer, ICT District food controller ICT, would also arrange adequate medicines, food and other facilities for the relief centres in co-ordination with NGOs, philanthropist and pharmaceutical companies.
It was also decided to set up a model relief centre immediately to check and test the requisite arrangements. Relief camps, would be set up in different schools for which location has been identified. Chief Commissioner Islamabad stressed better and effective co-ordination among all the concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of the plan and damage control.