Chief Secretary of Sindh, Syed AsifHyder Shah, chaired a crucial meeting to discuss preparations for the forthcoming monsoon season. Key officials, including Mayor Karachi MurtazaWahab, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Secretary of Local Government Syed Khalid Hyder Shah, Secretary of Rehabilitation WaseemShamshad, representatives from the Water Board, Pakistan Navy, Cantonment Boards, all District Deputy Commissioners, Municipal Commissioners, K-Electric, and DG Rescue 1122, among others, attended the meeting. A contingency plan for the Karachi Division was presented during the meeting in anticipation of heavy monsoon rains. Chief Secretary Sindh emphasized that this year, higher-than-normal rainfall is expected. He assured the full support of the Sindh Government to KMC and other relevant departments as needed. The Chief Secretary underscored the crucial role of K-Electric in ensuring continuous power supply for water drainage operations during the rains.
He urged K-Electric to make special arrangements to prevent any loss of life due to electrical issues. Furthermore, he directed all town chairmen to ensure proper drainage of water from internal streets during the rains. He instructed the Secretary of Local Government to convene meetings with all town commissioners to discuss preparedness. Additionally, he directed Commissioner Karachi to establish control rooms at both divisional and district levels to effectively manage emergency situations. Rescue 1122 and the Health Department were also instructed to prepare comprehensive plans to deal with any emergencies that may arise. The Chief Secretary also directed the evacuation of highly sensitive buildings as a precautionary measure before the rains. Mayor Karachi, MurtazaWahab, informed that KMC is currently engaged in cleaning 586 drains across Karachi. He mentioned the construction of roads on both sides of the GujjarNala to prevent encroachments.
Additionally, Mayor Karachi stated that dewatering pumps will be installed at all major roads and underpasses in the city. He also identified several locations where water may accumulate during heavy rains due to choking points. Commissioner Karachi, Hassan Naqvi, mentioned that 310 choking points in the city will be cleared before the onset of the rains.
