Punjab Sets New Benchmark in Good Governance as Lahore Clears Rainwater Within One Hour

By Muhammad Shahzad, Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Punjab has set a new benchmark in good governance by ensuring the swift drainage of rainwater during the ongoing monsoon spell under the directives of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
As monsoon rains intensified, the Punjab government mobilized all relevant departments, including Suthra Punjab, WASA, local government authorities, and district administrations, to ensure the prompt removal of accumulated rainwater. In Lahore, rainwater was cleared from most areas within one hour, setting a new operational record.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif praised the efforts of all departments and field staff for their timely response while continuously monitoring the situation through digital surveillance.
Despite receiving 343 millimeters of rainfall over a continuous 48-hour period, Lahore experienced no major waterlogging, providing significant relief to residents. Coordinated efforts prevented the accumulation of rainwater at major roads, intersections, and underpasses across the city.
Rapid drainage operations were successfully carried out on Mall Road, Club Chowk, Main Boulevard Gulberg, Liberty Chowk, and Ferozepur Road. Water was also removed within a few hours from Bank Stop, Qainchi Stop, and adjoining sections of Ferozepur Road.
Traffic flow remained uninterrupted in Karim Block, Iqbal Town, Samanabad Underpass, and surrounding areas due to the timely completion of drainage operations.
For the first time, Lahore’s modern drainage infrastructure, supported by a comprehensive monsoon management strategy, successfully prevented widespread road closures despite heavy rainfall.
On the instructions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioners, along with officers and field staff of WASA, the Local Government Department, and other relevant agencies, remained in the field to supervise operations and ensure the smooth execution of relief efforts.