PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated a significant review of flood protection and development schemes for vulnerable areas in the scenic Kalam and Madyan regions. The move aims to preempt future disasters and ensure sustainable development.
High-Level Review of Flood Resilience Projects
On Monday, KP Minister for Irrigation Riaz Khan presided over a pivotal meeting at his Peshawar office. The session focused on protective embankments, flood management, and development initiatives along the Gabral River in Kalam and the Shahgram or Madyan stream. The meeting saw attendance from key figures including MNA Dr. Amjad Ali, MPA Mian Sharafat Ali, Secretary Irrigation Abdul Basit, and other concerned officers.
A comprehensive briefing detailed the ongoing efforts under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Flood Resilience Project (KP-FRP). The project encompasses a multi-faceted approach to disaster mitigation, featuring:
- Construction of protective walls, bunds, and embankments.
- Implementation of bio-engineering structures and retaining walls.
- Development of water diversion and storage schemes.
- Installation of advanced telemetry and flood warning systems.
- Rehabilitation of critical streams and rivers.
These integrated measures are designed to significantly reduce flood risks, ensure timely drainage, and ultimately protect public life and property in these high-risk zones.
Constituency Concerns and Government Assurances
During the meeting, the elected representatives voiced the urgent needs of their areas. MNA Dr. Amjad Ali Khan and MPA Mian Sharafat Ali Khan informed the minister about the specific issues faced by their constituencies. They strongly emphasized the necessity for constructing flood protection walls, embankments, and other vital development projects to shield their communities.
In response, Minister Riaz Khan affirmed the provincial government's commitment. He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the administration is taking concrete and sustainable steps for public safety and development. "It is the government’s priority to carry out planning on modern scientific lines in flood-affected and vulnerable areas to prevent future losses," the minister declared.
Emphasis on Transparency and Equitable Development
Minister Khan issued clear directives to the concerned authorities. He instructed them to ensure the transparent and timely completion of all proposed projects. He also mandated the incorporation of recommendations from elected representatives into the planning process.
Reiterating the government's resolve, Khan added that all available resources would be utilized to achieve public safety and development goals. He highlighted that the Irrigation Department is taking every necessary step for public welfare and regional progress, with public-interest projects being executed on a priority basis.
"Special attention is also being given to transparency, improvement, and reforms in line with modern requirements within the Irrigation Department," he said, noting that the positive impacts of these reforms would directly benefit the citizens.
Concluding his address, the minister emphasized a vision of inclusive growth, asserting that development projects will reach every constituency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure all areas have equal opportunities for progress and protection.
