Minister orders immediate rain response

LAHORE - Punjab Minister for Communication and Works (C&W) Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth has directed all field formations of the C&W Department to remain on high alert during the ongoing monsoon season and ensure comprehensive measures for public safety, smooth traffic flow and an effective response to rain-related emergencies across the province. Chairing a review meeting at the C&W Department, here on Tuesday, the minister instructed officers to remain in the field, closely monitor the rain situation in their respective districts and respond promptly to emergencies caused by heavy rainfall. The meeting was attended by C&W Secretary Raja Jahangir Anwar, Special Secretary, Additional Secretaries, Chief Engineers and field officers from across Punjab via video link. The minister directed Executive Engineers and field staff to discharge their responsibilities with dedication to minimise inconvenience to the public. He ordered the immediate deployment of de-watering pumps at low-lying and vulnerable areas for swift drainage of accumulated rainwater. Malik Sohaib Ahmad Bharth also instructed field teams to carry out daily inspections of road shoulders, bridges, culverts and drainage systems to ensure their functionality and protect public infrastructure from rain-related damage. Emphasising that public convenience remains the department's top priority, he directed officers to maintain close coordination with district administrations and other relevant departments to ensure timely drainage of rainwater and prompt restoration of traffic wherever required. The minister warned that no negligence or laxity in safeguarding public infrastructure during the monsoon season would be tolerated and directed all officers to remain vigilant and continue performing their duties professionally until weather conditions return to normal.