Bahawalpur Commissioner Reviews Sutlej Flood Preparedness, Orders High Alert for All Departments

CHISHTIAN: Bahawalpur Commissioner Irfan Ali Kathia has directed all relevant departments to remain on high alert in view of the possible flood situation in the Sutlej River, instructing officials to keep personnel, machinery, and emergency resources fully prepared to respond swiftly to any emergency. Accompanied by Bahawalnagar Deputy Commissioner Syed Muhammad Abbas Shah, the commissioner visited the Baba Farid Bridge near Minchinabad to review flood preparedness measures, including the availability of rescue equipment, relief supplies, heavy machinery, and emergency response arrangements. He stressed that, in line with the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the protection of human lives and property remains the government’s top priority, and all departments must work in close coordination to effectively manage any potential flood emergency. During the visit, the deputy commissioner briefed the commissioner on safety measures, monitoring of vulnerable locations, flood relief planning, evacuation arrangements, and inter-departmental coordination. Officials from Rescue 1122, the Irrigation Department, Civil Defence, and Police also presented updates on the current river flow, flood response plans, rescue operations, and relief camp preparations. Later, the commissioner inspected the under-construction Para Force building in Minchinabad and directed the authorities to complete the project within the stipulated timeframe while maintaining high construction standards so the facility could become operational at the earliest.