Sindh Chief Secretary Orders High Alert as Monsoon Approaches

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah has directed district administrations across the province to complete all preparations for the upcoming monsoon season and remain on high alert.

He issued the instructions while chairing a meeting to review monsoon preparations and discuss the issue of wheat hoarding in Sindh.

The Chief Secretary ordered the activation of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) and district control rooms. He also directed officials to submit daily 24-hour situation reports.

Deputy commissioners were asked to hold District Coordination Committee meetings and prepare detailed emergency plans, including arrangements for relief camps, rescue boats, dewatering pumps and essential medicines.

He also ordered authorities to clear drains and remove blockages before the rains begin, stressing that officials must remain present in the field to deal with any emergency.

Medical and veterinary camps will also be set up in vulnerable areas, with uninterrupted supplies of vaccines and medicines for both people and livestock.

The Chief Secretary further directed officials to speed up repair work and closely monitor sensitive areas along the River Indus. He said water flow at Guddu Barrage is expected to reach 300,000 cusecs and ordered all relevant departments to remain alert.

During the meeting, he also ordered a strict crackdown on wheat hoarders across Sindh, warning that those involved in creating artificial shortages would face zero tolerance.

Officials were directed to identify government employees involved in wheat hoarding and take action against them. The Food Department was also asked to prepare a procedure for confiscating hoarded wheat and submit a summary to the Sindh Cabinet.