In order to cope with fourth coming anticipated heavy rains minimise the losses a comprehensive plan was discussed in the meeting presided by Sindh Minister for Fisheries at ex-Zila Nazim Secretariat Hyderabad. Addressing the meeting, Sindh Minister directed the officers to establish close contact with Met Department rain and river related flood fighting measures accordingly.
MPA Mohammad Suhail Bhai, Commissioner Hyderabad Division Ahmed Bux Narejo, Deputy Commissioner Hyderabad Agha Shahnawaz Babar, SSP Hyderabad, Municipal Commissioner, Administrator HMC, Director Local government, MD WASA, officers from irrigation, agriculture, education, health, Hesco, PTCL, NTC, Sui Gas, town planning, building control department, W&S, forest, animal husbandry, RTA, civil defence, assistant commissioners and others were also present in the meeting.
He said that the Meteorological Department has forecasted heavy rain and flood in Sindh, so that it is our prime duty to prepare a sound strategy to face the challenge. He said that Sindh government would fully support in this regard and funds would be provided on need basis. He said that action would be taken against those who failed in performing their responsibilities. He said that he along with district administration would visit bunds of river Indus.
The Sindh Minister for Fisheries Zahid Ali Bhurgari directed to district administration to remove encroachment without any discrimination from protective bunds and Kactha areas and ensure to restore all water ways so that strengthening of protective bunds could be carried out easily. He said no one would be allowed to play with human lives and properties. He directed law enforcement agencies to maintain law and order situation especially smooth running of traffic on main roads. Speaking at the meeting, DC Ahmed Bux emphasised upon all officers to keep close co-ordination with district administration and other stakeholders he asked them for consultation with DC Hyderabad so that co-ordination be maintained properly.
He said that we are trying to get additional grant from government for WASA to bring it out from financial crises. He directed Hesco officers to avoid unscheduled load shedding that apparently irking people and creating law & order situation. He also directed building control department to identify deteriorated building in city and issue notices and prepare evacuation plan immediately to avoid any human loss. The DC Agha Shahnawaz Babar informed the meeting that as many as 112 areas of district Hyderabad has been identifies as low laying where rain water could be accumulated.
He said that these areas include 13 at Taluka City, 24 at Taluka Qasimabad, 33 at Taluka Latifabad and 42 low laying areas has been identified at Taluka Hyderabad. He further informed that district administration Hyderabad has proposed 36 relief camps, which would be established at various schools, besides 4 sites have been identifies as tent city for displaced families each at Hutri Police Station, Ganjo Takkar, Tando Mohammad Khan road near Labour departments' flat and Sabzi Mandi where rain and flood affected families would be stay temporary instead of disturbing the educational institutions and curriculum activities of students and assured that essential commodities would be provided.
The M.D WASA informed the meeting that pumping machines are in ready condition where as compared to the previous year a lot of schemes relating to the improvement of drainage system have been completed under various schemes, and this year it can be hoped that enhanced capacity of the drainage system would helpful to face the challenges of the forth coming monsoon.
Representative of irrigation department & SIDA informed the meeting that bunds already raised 6 feet high as compared to super flood level 2010 and added that 18 bunds and all vulnerable points have been re-strengthened are made to sustain the pressure of flood water.