Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has directed Irrigation Department authorities to take effective measures for the protection and monitoring of dams, barrages and embankments and make all arrangements to cope with any situation.
Punjab Chief Minister paid a surprise visit to Sulemanki Barrage on Monday and reviewed the pace of work on the project of rehabilitation and reconstruction of the barrage. He reviewed the project in detail and also issued necessary instruction to authorities concerned.
In a briefing the CM was informed that work is being carried out speedily on the project of rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sulemanki Barrage at a cost of 3.64 billion rupees and it will be soon completed. The CM warned that no laxity will be tolerated in this regard.
He took strict notice of damage to the dividing wall of Sulemanki Barrage and announced setting up of an inquiry committee He said the cost of repair work will be recovered from the contractor and consultant. He said though the wall is very old yet there was no justification for damage to the wall. A thorough inquiry will be held into the matter and the persons responsible will be identified.
He directed that audit of all projects of Irrigation Department should be ensured. In view of possible floods, advance arrangements should be finalised for the protection of life and property of citizens. He warned that strict action will be taken against the officers concerned if any negligence or dereliction of duty was detected. He further directed that pre-emptive arrangements should be made for protection of life and property of people against floods and minimising the losses, there is no room for laxity in this regard, all departments and institutions should work speedily and with proper co-ordination. He said immediate measures should be taken for improvement of irrigation assets.
Earlier Secretary Irrigation gave a briefing to Chief Minister on the project of rehabilitation and reconstruction of Sulemanki Barrage.