ISLAMABAD: The Punjab government has allocated Rs468.276 million for the purchase of transport/vehicles for financial year 2020-21. The Punjab advocate general on Saturday submitted a report about the steps taken for combating the coronavirus in the province.
The Punjab government has allocated for the purchase of transport/vehicles for financial year 2020-21. Out of the total amount Rs468.276 million, Rs29.575 million have been allocated for the purchase of new vehicles for Agriculture Department of Punjab.
However, no funds have been allocated for procurement of new vehicles in regular budget for the financial year 2020-21, especially for arresting the locust threat in Punjab. Moreover, Rs835 million have been allocated under MP4006-Plants and Protection and Locust control, Multan.
It submitted that the chief drug controller, Punjab has issued directions to different distributors to ensure the availability of essential drugs including Dettol, oxygen-related equipment and pulse oximeter. The report says that there is no shortage of drugs/medicines in the province.
The Punjab Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) has adopted an anticipatory/proactive approach to prepare for upcoming monsoon, with a view to be geared up, to face any possible issue pertaining to floods, which are a regular feature in Punjab.
A joint survey of flood protection bunds have been carried out by special teams represented by the army, the irrigation and the DDMAs to review their condition and find out any critical point, which requires immediate repair work before floods.
In light of the joint survey report, necessary work on critical points has been initiated. District inspection committees have been constituted to carry out inspection of relief and rescue equipment with a view to ascertain functionality of all flood relief and rescue equipment including boats, out board motors, tents, de-watering pumps, generators, light stands, life jackets, and life rings etc.
The PDMA has established a flood control room, which will be operational 24/7 during the monsoon period from June 15 to October 15. District flood control rooms have also been established, which will monitor the situation at district level, and will remain in close liaison with the provincial control room.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020