Bilal Yasin reviews drainage measures after heavy rain in Gujrat

GUJRAT: Punjab Housing and Urban Development Minister Bilal Yasin on Thursday visited Gujrat following heavy monsoon rainfall and reviewed drainage arrangements, directing authorities to ensure timely disposal of rainwater and relief to residents.

During his emergency visit, the minister inspected Kallara and Jinnah disposal stations as well as Loran Chowk, where he reviewed ongoing drainage operations and the response to water accumulation at critical points.

Deputy Commissioner Gujrat Noor-ul-Ain, DPO Faisal Shehzad and WASA Managing Director Kashan Butt briefed the minister on the prevailing situation and measures taken by the district administration and WASA to drain rainwater.

Officials said WASA Gujrat had cleared several critical points on an emergency basis despite what they described as record rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.

Yasin also reviewed the progress of drainage schemes being executed under the Punjab Development Plan. He said the situation would have been considerably worse in previous years, when heavy rainfall often left water standing in affected areas for several days.

“Timely completion of development projects has provided significant relief to the public,” he said.

The minister said drainage-related difficulties caused by continuous rainfall in Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Gujrat and Wazirabad had been addressed through emergency measures and ongoing development schemes.

He said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif was reviewing WASA projects and drainage arrangements on a daily basis and directed the relevant departments to remain vigilant during the monsoon.
Yasin said major drainage projects aimed at ensuring timely disposal of rainwater would soon move towards practical implementation.

The minister directed officials to maintain field operations and take immediate measures wherever water accumulation was reported, particularly at vulnerable points in the city.