Commissioner calls for proactive flood preparedness across division

ISLAMABAD: Divisional Commissioner Musarrat Jabeen has instructed relevant departments to step up flood preparedness through advance planning, mock drills and timely precautionary steps, while also pushing for faster recovery of government dues across the division.

Chairing a meeting on flood control planning, the commissioner directed deputy commissioners to submit contingency plans and organise mock exercises so authorities can respond effectively in the event of an emergency.

She stressed that desilting work should not remain limited to urban areas and said it must also be carried out in rural localities, towns and at the union council level to reduce the risk of urban flooding.

Musarrat Jabeen also told assistant commissioners to inspect desilting operations in the field to ensure the work meets quality standards and is completed on time.

During the meeting, she ordered an audit of Rescue 1122 machinery and sought details from all departments regarding the equipment currently available to them, with the aim of improving emergency response capacity.

Focus on planning and response readiness

The directions were issued as part of a meeting specifically held to review flood control planning. The commissioner emphasised a proactive approach, underlining the need for comprehensive arrangements before any emergency situation arises.

Her instructions covered both preparedness and response, including contingency planning, mock exercises, desilting oversight and an assessment of machinery and equipment. The measures were aimed at strengthening the administrative and operational readiness of departments concerned across the division.

Alongside flood-related preparedness, the commissioner also called for the timely recovery of outstanding government dues, asking departments to accelerate the process across the division.

The meeting reflected an emphasis on preventive action, with officials being asked to ensure that planning and implementation proceed in a coordinated and timely manner.

The commissioner’s directives also highlighted the importance of monitoring implementation on the ground, particularly in relation to desilting, which she said should be undertaken widely and checked for quality and timely completion.

By seeking equipment details from all departments and ordering a review of Rescue 1122 machinery, the administration signalled a focus on identifying available resources and addressing any gaps in emergency response arrangements.