Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited the Ravi River embankments on Sunday to review flood control measures and ensure safety protocols were in place after fears of potential flooding from upstream water releases by India. Officials confirmed that the province narrowly escaped what could have been a severe water-related catastrophe, thanks to timely management and coordinated efforts by the provincial administration.
Addressing media personnel during her visit, CM Maryam stated that the provincial government had been on high alert for the past several days, closely monitoring the inflow of water and implementing contingency plans to protect vulnerable areas. “Punjab has been saved from a major disaster due to timely actions and the dedication of our teams working day and night,” she said, commending the Rescue 1122 teams, irrigation department, and local administration for their rapid response.
12 killed in Punjab floods
Technical experts reported that India had released a significant volume of water from upstream dams, creating the possibility of flash flooding across Punjab’s low-lying regions. However, proactive measures, including controlled diversion channels, embankment reinforcement, and real-time monitoring, helped mitigate the risks.
Maryam Nawaz also met with local communities residing near the riverbanks, assuring them that the government would continue strengthening flood-prevention infrastructure. She announced the initiation of long-term projects to improve embankment durability and introduce early warning systems powered by modern technology to anticipate potential threats.
The Chief Minister further highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement with India to ensure transparent water-sharing practices, emphasizing that cooperative measures were vital to safeguarding millions of lives and livelihoods along the river basin.
As monsoon season continues, authorities remain vigilant, with disaster management teams stationed across high-risk zones. Analysts have urged the government to invest in modern flood-control infrastructure, citing the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and the potential implications of upstream water manipulation.
The Punjab government’s swift response has been widely praised, with social media users applauding CM Maryam’s hands-on leadership during the crisis. While Punjab may have escaped disaster this time, experts caution that long-term strategies must remain a priority to prevent future risks.
