SC wants report on anti-flood measures

ISLAMABAD: The Supreme Court on Monday sought comprehensive reports from the chief secretaries of all provinces within three weeks over steps taken so far in the wake of last year's floods and to tackle the situation this year.

It also asked the Advocate General Punjab to inform it whether the provincial government had made Justice Mansoor Ali Shah's report public or not and if not then cite reasons.

The three-member bench comprising Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad
Chaudhry, Justice Khilji Arif Hussain and Justice Tariq Pervaiz issued the directives on a plea filed by Marvi Memon, former Member of National Assembly of Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid.

The bench also directed the advocate generals to appear before it
on next date of hearing.

The Additional Advocate General Sindh apprised the court that in August this year, heavy rains wreaked havoc in Tharparkar, Badin, Benazirabad, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Khairpur, Sanghar and Tando Allahyar.

He said that LBOD (Left Bank Outfall Drain) was designed for discharge of 4,000 cusecs water but 18,000 cusecs water passed through it inundating large areas of Sindh.

He said that the Sindh Irrigation Department had taken long-term measures for the post flood period.

He explained that on account of extra-ordinary rainy spells, the province had suffered billion of rupees losses in the shape of livestock, property and crops.

He said that the government was taking all necessary steps for the rehabilitation of affected areas.

The water had been drained out from the urban areas and now the authorities had focused their attention on rural areas and the task would be completed within 45 days, he added.

The court observed that the flood situation in Sindh was very critical and directed the federal and provincial governments to expedite their relief efforts for the affected population.

The ex-member of Parliament had moved a contempt of court plea saying that the no action had been taken against the responsible officials for the last year's catastrophe under the recommendations of
Flood Commission's report. (APP)