Punjab intensifies drone surveillance of rivers as monsoon flood threat remains under close watch

• CM Maryam directs enhanced monitoring of rivers, barrages and headworks across province

• Irrigation department deploys machinery, maintains round-the-clock vigilance amid monsoon rains

• High flood persists at Marala, medium flood recorded near Chiniot as water levels fluctuate

• Authorities warn of possible hill torrents in DG Khan and Rajanpur districts

 LAHORE: Acting on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the provincial government has stepped up drone surveillance of rivers, barrages and headworks across Punjab, intensifying precautionary measures as authorities remain on high alert to tackle any potential flooding during the ongoing monsoon spell.

وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز شریف کی ہدایت پر بارشوں کے دوران "ستھرا پنجاب" کا عملہ لاہور سمیت پنجاب بھر میں متحرک

نئے تعینات کردہ ڈی جی ستھرا پنجاب اتھارٹی عمر جاوید خود فیلڈ میں موجود، نائٹ آپریشن کا جائزہ لینے ٹھوکر نیاز بیگ پہنچ گئے۔

شہر لاہور میں سڑکوں کو ڈسٹ فری بنانے کیلئے… pic.twitter.com/kx3XWjCidB

— Government of Punjab (@GovtofPunjabPK) July 24, 2026

According to an official handout, the Punjab Irrigation Department has remained fully mobilised, deploying all available human and mechanical resources while maintaining round-the-clock monitoring of barrages, canals, embankments, drains and hill torrents to ensure a swift response to any emergency.

The department has stationed the required machinery at vulnerable locations and accelerated the removal of obstructions from streams and nullahs to ensure the smooth flow of water and minimise the risk of flooding.

🌊 Daily Flood Hydrological Situation Report | 24 July 2026 (1800 PST)
Most major rivers are flowing at normal to low flood levels, while River Chenab is showing medium flood levels at Marala, Khanki, Q.Abad and Chiniot.#PMD #FloodUpdate #FloodSituation #RiverChenab pic.twitter.com/wXH6QAFrs2

— Pak Met Department محکمہ موسمیات (@pmdgov) July 24, 2026

In view of heavy rainfall in Gujranwala, Narowal and Sialkot, increased inflows are expected in Hasri Nullah, Nikki Degh and Main Degh Nullah. The handout noted that continuous rains have significantly reduced the soil’s water absorption capacity in Gujranwala district, Sheikhupura district and Muridke tehsil, increasing the likelihood of surface runoff.

According to the latest assessment by the Flood Forecasting Division (FFD), the situation at Balloki Barrage has continued to improve owing to an effective drainage system, while digital monitoring at Head Marala on the Chenab River showed that although a high flood level persisted, water levels were gradually receding.

At Tarbela and Mangla dams, water inflows of 343,000 cusecs and 65,000 cusecs, respectively, were recorded, with reservoir levels standing at 1,520 feet and 1,184 feet.

The handout said a flow of 261,463 cusecs passed through Khanki Barrage in the morning before declining to 181,438 cusecs later in the day. Meanwhile, a medium flood level was recorded in the Chenab River near Chiniot Bridge.

Over the past three days, the Ravi River has carried water flows of up to 35,000 cusecs through the districts of Sialkot, Narowal, Gujranwala and Sheikhupura, reflecting the impact of sustained monsoon rainfall across the region.

The handout further stated that a low flood level was recorded at Kalabagh on the Indus River, while water levels at Taunsa Barrage remained within the normal range. At Marala Barrage on the Chenab River, a high flood level of nearly 275,000 cusecs was recorded, although authorities expected water levels to continue receding.

A medium flood level was reported at Qadirabad Barrage, where water levels were rising, while the situation at Trimmu Barrage remained normal.

On the Ravi River, Balloki Barrage continued to experience a low flood level, with water levels rising gradually because of inflows from Degh Nullah.

The handout said temporary medium flooding had been reported in Basantar Nullah and Plakhoo Nullah, while water levels in Ojh Bhain, Degh Nullah and Bhambhar remained within normal limits.

In Rajanpur, a medium flood situation was reported in the Kaha hill torrent, although water levels there were gradually receding. However, the irrigation authorities cautioned that fresh hill torrents could develop in the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur if heavy monsoon rains continue.