Authorities going ‘extra mile’ in the absence of flood data

The Punjab government has directed the irrigation department to prepare for potential flooding under a "high-alert category." This heightened alert comes amid prevailing uncertainty about river flows, stemming from India's unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty and its subsequent cessation of data sharing. Officials are finding it difficult to make accurate assessments without reliable river flow information.

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If they (India) are not giving information (related to river flows, flood situation etc), then we must be very vigilant.

A source privy to a meeting chaired by Lahore Commissioner Nauman Yousaf revealed that the irrigation department is making arrangements based on information shared on social media and other informal channels, which are insufficient for precise flood forecasting. A senior irrigation department official confirmed that India has avoided sharing data since putting the treaty in abeyance last April.

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So if the flood situation is normal, you must make arrangements required for medium floods and if the situation is medium, then go for arrangements that are required under the high-flood category.

In response to the lack of official data, the commissioner has instructed the irrigation department to take "extra precautionary measures." This includes preparing for medium flood arrangements even if the situation appears normal, and high-flood category preparations if the situation is medium. Deputy commissioners have also been asked to finalize flood-related arrangements promptly. An operation to clear the Ravi riverbed of temporary encroachments is also planned.

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Yes, the commissioner has directed us to do so.

Despite the challenges posed by India's reluctance to share information, a senior irrigation official expressed hope that Pakistan would be fully prepared ahead of the flooding season. The official confirmed that water flow in the Ravi and other rivers is currently normal, rejecting social media reports of increased water levels. The public has been reassured that the situation is not problematic at this time.

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If they (India) are not giving information (related to river flows, flood situation etc), then we must be very vigilant.