Punjab CM okays plan to clear flood zones in three months, revamp disaster authority

• Maryam Nawaz chairs meetings, approves plan restructure PDMA with eight new wings to boost disaster response

• Says ban on construction in river passages and waterways to be strictly enforced

• Extends greetings on Saraiki Ajrak Day, praises rich cultural heritage of the Saraiki region

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has approved a comprehensive plan to clear flood zones across the province within three months, along with a restructuring of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority through the creation of eight new wings aimed at strengthening disaster response capacity, according to a handout issued by the Directorate General Public Relations Punjab.

The approval was granted during a special meeting on post-flood management chaired by the chief minister, where relevant departments presented a detailed briefing, said a statement issued from the Chief Minister’s Office Punjab.

Across all districts of Punjab, areas prone to ponding, where rainwater accumulates during the rainy season, have been carefully identified. To minimize the risk of urban flooding and to strengthen the capacity of cities to manage stormwater effectively, a landmark initiative has… pic.twitter.com/AeCVeHORVA

— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) March 6, 2026

During the meeting, the chief minister directed authorities to strictly enforce the ban on construction within river passages and waterways. It was also decided that no financial assistance would be provided if illegal constructions built within water channels collapse during floods, the statement said.

Participants of the meeting also agreed on a proposal to construct 17 mini dams at different locations across Punjab. A decision was further taken to enhance water storage capacity at Kalabagh and Sadhnai Barrage, while the chief minister directed the introduction of inflatable dam technology in the province, the statement added.

The meeting also approved the establishment of District Emergency Operation Centers, regional disaster centers and warehouses, while the chief minister directed the provision of modern equipment to Rescue 1122 to strengthen its flood response operations

وزیراعلیٰ مریم نواز کی زیر صدارت اجلاس میں سیلاب سے نمٹنے کے لئے اہم فیصلے کیے گئے۔ فلڈ زونز خالی کرانے اور آبی گزرگاہوں میں غیر قانونی تعمیرات ختم کرنے کی ہدایت۔ 17 مقامات پر منی ڈیم بنانے اور چنیوٹ میں بند کی اصولی منظوری۔ ریسکیو 1122 کے لیے جدید آلات کی فراہمی اور پی ڈی ایم… pic.twitter.com/Bz1AFz8XFh

— Zeeshan Malik (@ZeshanMalick) March 6, 2026

.The briefing informed the meeting that rehabilitation work on flood-affected roads and routes has been completed. A total of 186 roads spanning 563 kilometers, 446 culverts and one bridge damaged during floods have been restored.

Officials further informed the meeting that 1,990 areas along the province’s five major rivers fall under high-risk flood zones, while 1,278 areas are categorized as medium-risk zones and 3,169 as low-risk zones, the CMO said.

The meeting was also told that 183 irrigation projects are currently underway in Punjab, while desilting work will be carried out on 298 drains and flood channels as well as 67 drainage systems.

The chief minister was also presented with a detailed report outlining short-, medium- and long-term planning for flood management across the province.

CM extends greetings on Saraiki Ajrak Day

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the Saraiki region on Saraiki Ajrak Day, saying, “Sarey bhraawan koo Saraiki dinh di mubarak thive.”

In her special message on the occasion, the chief minister said that the Saraiki Ajrak is her favourite cultural symbol, representing sincerity, love and warmth. She noted that Ajrak is a centuries-old cultural identity of the Saraiki region, reflecting the rich traditions and heritage of its people.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that the culture and civilization of the Saraiki belt embody values of love, affection, unity and sincerity, adding that the vibrant colours of the Saraiki Ajrak bring a soothing feeling to the eyes.

She further said that Punjab is a custodian of Pakistan’s diverse cultures and ancient traditions. The chief minister added that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz has played a significant role in putting South Punjab on the path of development and prosperity.