River erosion in Layyah: CM sends special assistant to oversee relief

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday directed Special Assistant to the Chief Minister and Inspection Team Shoaib Mirza to visit areas affected by river erosion in Layyah and oversee relief and rescue operations.

On the chief minister’s instructions, Shoaib Mirza visited Mouza Samra Nasheeb on the outskirts of Layyah and inspected areas affected by river erosion. He also met affected residents, heard their concerns and assessed the losses caused by the erosion.

The chief minister directed the authorities to take immediate measures to mitigate the losses and remove all hurdles in rescue and relief operations. She also summoned officials of the irrigation department and the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to the affected area.

Necessary machinery was mobilised for relief and rescue operations, while PDMA officials also reached Samra Nasheeb. The special assistant supervised the shifting of residents and their belongings to safer locations.

Food and other essential supplies have been arranged for affected families, while dry rations are also being distributed.

On the chief minister’s directive, a special committee has been constituted to assess the damage caused by river erosion. The committee will determine losses to farmers’ land, houses and other property and submit a report.

CM Punjab also directed the authorities to propose measures to protect Samra Nasheeb from river erosion in the future.

Deputy Commissioner Layyah Asif Ali Dogar and other district administration officials were also present to supervise relief and rescue operations.

Shoaib Mirza said the administration and relevant departments were working round the clock under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to provide immediate relief to affected people.

He said the flood situation in erosion-hit areas was being continuously monitored and the Punjab government would provide all available resources and required machinery to ensure the safety of the people.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026