The government of Punjab has decided to construct 17 new small dams across the province as part of measures to manage rainfall and flooding. The decision was taken during a meeting on post-flood arrangements chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz.
Officials informed the meeting that rainfall up to 28 percent above normal is forecast this year. Participants agreed on a proposal to construct mini dams at 17 locations across Punjab, while the meeting also approved a dam project in Chiniot.
Maryam Nawaz said that construction within riverbeds would be permanently banned, adding that the government would introduce inflatable dam technology.
The meeting also decided to increase water storage capacity at Kalabagh and Sadhnai, and approved the restructuring of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) along with the establishment of eight new wings.
In addition, the chief minister approved the establishment of District Emergency Operation Centers, regional disaster response units, and warehouses, and directed that Rescue 1122 be equipped with modern equipment for field operations.
