Summary
- Officials are using drones to monitor water levels, river flow and changing conditions in real time.
- Similar monitoring was also carried out at Head Sidhnai, where officials reviewed water movement and overall river conditions through aerial imaging.
- Real-time aerial surveillance will help officials detect changes in river conditions more accurately and improve coordination among disaster response agencies.
The Punjab government has introduced drone-based monitoring for the first time to strengthen its flood management system and improve early warning capabilities across the province. The new initiative is aimed at detecting flood surges before they reach populated areas, allowing authorities to take timely preventive measures and reduce the risk of damage to lives, property and infrastructure.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab government, the drone surveillance programme has been launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The operation covers all major barrages, rivers and headworks in Punjab. Officials are using drones to monitor water levels, river flow and changing conditions in real time.
The spokesperson said the technology will help authorities identify any sudden increase in water flow and provide advance warnings to disaster management agencies. This will improve emergency planning and allow local administrations to respond more quickly if flood conditions develop.
As part of the monitoring campaign, drones surveyed Trimmu Barrage, where water levels were found to be within the normal range. Drone inspections were also carried out along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers in Pakpattan. Officials reported that water levels in both rivers remained stable and did not pose any immediate threat.
Further drone surveillance was conducted at Talibwala Bridge over the Chenab River in Sargodha. Authorities observed that the river’s flow was normal. Similar monitoring was also carried out at Head Sidhnai, where officials reviewed water movement and overall river conditions through aerial imaging.
At Head Marala, drones recorded a water flow of 174,000 cusecs. Authorities also monitored water conditions at Rasul Barrage in Mandi Bahauddin to assess the overall flood situation in the region.
The provincial government said drone technology will play a key role in modernising Punjab’s flood monitoring system. Real-time aerial surveillance will help officials detect changes in river conditions more accurately and improve coordination among disaster response agencies.
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