Civic agencies clear rainwater within an hour: Punjab sets new benchmark in good governance

LAHORE: Punjab set a new benchmark in good governance as government agencies swiftly completed rainwater drainage operations during the ongoing monsoon spell under the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

With the intensity of monsoon rains increasing, the Punjab government mobilised all relevant departments, including Suthra Punjab, WASA and local authorities, to ensure the prompt disposal of accumulated rainwater. In Lahore, rainwater was cleared in less than an hour, setting a new operational record.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif commended all departments and field staff for their timely response and remained engaged in continuous digital monitoring of the overall situation.

Despite recording 343 millimetres of rainfall over a continuous 48-hour period, Lahore witnessed no major waterlogging, providing significant relief to residents. Through coordinated efforts, authorities successfully prevented the accumulation of rainwater at most major intersections, roads and underpasses across the city.

Rapid drainage operations were carried out on Mall Road, Club Chowk, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Liberty Chowk and Ferozepur Road. Water was also cleared within a few hours from Bank Stop, Qainchi Stop and adjoining sections of Ferozepur Road.

Traffic remained uninterrupted in Karim Block, Iqbal Town, Samanabad Underpass and surrounding areas following the timely completion of drainage operations.

For the first time, Lahore’s modern drainage infrastructure, supported by a comprehensive monsoon management strategy, successfully prevented widespread road closures caused by heavy rainfall.

On the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, along with officers and field staff of WASA, the Local Government Department and other relevant agencies, remained present in the field to supervise and ensure the smooth execution of relief operations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026