CM reviews monsoon preparedness in Sindh

Express Tribune

5 days ago

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Friday called for urgent and coordinated efforts by all relevant departments while presiding over a high-level meeting at the CM House to assess the province's readiness for the upcoming monsoon season.
The meeting was attended by key cabinet members, Mayor Murtaza Wahab, IG Police Ghulam Nabi Memon, Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, secretaries of key departments, heads of disaster management and utilities, and representatives of the Pakistan Army's Corps-V.
The chief meteorologist briefed the meeting on weather projections, revealing that a heat-low pressure area is developing earlier than usual over southern Pakistan, with rainfall expected to be normal to slightly above normal during July and August. Upper Sindh could receive 10% more rainfall than usual, while southern parts may see a 20-30% rise.
With the memory of the devastating 2022 floods still fresh, CM Shah directed all departments to ensure the full functionality of drainage systems and pumping stations before the onset of heavy rains. Officials reported that a drain-cleaning campaign launched on June 20 would continue through mid-September, focusing on clearing choking points and major underpasses such as those at Tariq Road, KPT, Submarine Chowk, and Mehran.
The Sindh Solid Waste Management Board (SSWMB) assured CM Shah that extra machinery and staff have been deployed and equipped with rain gear. A public awareness campaign is also underway to prepare residents for potential flooding.
The Irrigation Department highlighted long-standing vulnerabilities in the Lower Indus region, including weak embankments and the limited flood-handling capacity of Manchhar Lake and Hamal Lake. CM Shah was informed that SCARP projects are being implemented to address water-logging and salinity by lowering the water table through various drainage interventions.
While engaged in disaster preparedness, the chief minister also reacted strongly to the tragic news from Balochistan, where terrorists killed nine innocent passengers after abducting them from a bus. In a statement, CM Shah condemned the "inhumane and cowardly" attack, calling it a conspiracy to sabotage Pakistan's unity and peace.
"Killing passengers by taking them off a bus is the worst atrocity," he said. "Such acts of terrorism cannot shake the nation's resolve. These enemy elements will never succeed in their nefarious goals through the blood of innocents. Bringing the killers to justice is the state's top priority."
In another development on Friday, Chief Minister Shah highlighted Sindh's central role in Pakistan's energy future at the "Sindh's Energy Diversity Conference," organised by the provincial Energy Department and Energy Update. Addressing a gathering of stakeholders and experts, CM Shah described Sindh as the country's "energy basket," blessed with abundant coal, gas, solar, and wind resources.
He added that 30 million tons of Thar coal had already been supplied to Independent Power Producers over the past six years, producing 31 gigawatts of electricity and powering nearly three million homes. He announced a transformative project - a 105-kilometre railway line to connect Thar coalfields with global markets - which he described as a "game-changer" for Pakistan's energy security and economic development.
CM Shah also announced the establishment of the Sindh Transmission and Dispatch Company (STDC) and the Sindh Electric Power Regulatory Authority (SEPRA) to improve provincial autonomy in energy transmission and regulation. "Our vision is to ensure energy security, affordability, and sustainability, not just for Sindh, but for all of Pakistan," he added.