Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz Declares Rivers Red Zones, Launches Major Flood Rehabilitation Plan

Over two million affected as Punjab reels from historic floods; CM leads relief with housing program, digital surveys, and high-tech rescues

Nazrana Times, Lahore(Ali Imran Chattha)

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced sweeping measures to confront the devastation caused by the worst floods in Punjab’s history. Declaring rivers, streams, and water channels as red zones, she ordered the removal of encroachments to safeguard vulnerable communities against future disasters.

Chairing a special meeting in Lahore, the Chief Minister directed the Urban Unit, Board of Revenue, and other departments to immediately prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation package for displaced families. She emphasized transparency through digital surveys, overseen by a newly constituted high-level committee, and pledged to personally unveil the full package in coming days.

The government has increased financial aid for victims, introduced targeted programs for farmers, and launched the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) initiative to provide permanent housing solutions. In the interim, temporary marquees will be set up in all districts, offering safe shelter with separate facilities for men and women, alongside clean water, food, and essential supplies for the winter season.

International reports highlight the scale of destruction: more than two million people have been affected, with over 1.3 million displaced and nearly 1,400 villages submerged. The floods, worsened by climate change and cross-border water releases, have triggered widespread fears of disease outbreaks including cholera, malaria, and hepatitis.

Maryam Nawaz has taken direct charge of operations through a 24/7 war room in Lahore, where drone and satellite feeds are monitored in real-time. Advanced technology, including thermal imaging drones, has already enabled hundreds of rescues. The Chief Minister also ordered urgent restoration of critical infrastructure, including the Kartarpur Sahib shrine, which was heavily damaged by floodwaters.

During visits to Muzaffargarh, Sialkot, Narowal, and other flood-hit districts, she met families living in shelters, distributed relief goods, and assured citizens of swift and fair compensation. Stressing long-term resilience, she called for a provincial master plan to strengthen Punjab against future floods and natural calamities.

“We will not leave a single family behind,” she vowed, promising that Punjab would rise stronger through united efforts in recovery and reconstruction.