Monsoon rains arrive in Punjab: Punjab CM places all depts on high alert

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has placed all line departments on high alert in view of the onset of monsoon rains and directed commissioners, deputy commissioners and field officers across the province to remain fully prepared for any emergency.

The chief minister said that with the monsoon season having begun in Punjab, all concerned officers and staff must remain vigilant, adding that there was no room for negligence or irresponsibility.

She directed the authorities to ensure the immediate drainage of rainwater and ordered continuous monitoring of Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) operations. She also instructed the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Control Room and District Emergency Operation Centres across the province to remain fully alert.

The chief minister ordered Rescue 1122, WASA and other emergency services to keep their personnel and machinery on standby. She also directed the authorities to ensure the swift drainage of water from low-lying areas and water accumulation at identified choking points.

The CM Punjab ordered continuous monitoring of stormwater drains and nullahs, directing officials to ensure that rainwater did not remain stagnant in urban areas.

She instructed the Irrigation Department to keep its teams on high alert and continuously monitor water flow in canals. She also ordered that all manholes in urban and rural areas must remain properly covered and directed the authorities to ensure all necessary safety measures during the monsoon season.

The chief minister further ordered that adequate safety arrangements be made at construction sites to prevent any untoward incidents during rainfall and directed special monitoring of dilapidated and structurally vulnerable buildings.

She also instructed the authorities to make special arrangements to ensure the smooth flow of traffic on major highways and main roads, directing the Safe City Authority and the Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) teams to remain on full alert.

The chief minister further ordered all field teams to remain fully prepared to maintain public guidance and communication for traffic management and to safeguard the lives and property of citizens.

She emphasised that all relevant departments must remain active and fully vigilant to ensure the protection of the public during the monsoon season.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026