Web desk: Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, speaking in the National Assembly, said that instead of wasting time waiting for large dams, there is an urgent need to build small dams immediately to safeguard water reservoirs.
He pointed out that the construction of hotels and houses along water channels has worsened the situation, and now it is time for everyone to hold themselves accountable.
According to him, the main cause of flood-related destruction is encroachments. The building of houses and housing societies along rainwater streams and river paths has caused water to enter populated areas, resulting in massive losses.
Referring to his own district, he said that illegal constructions on the land of rainwater streams have intensified the devastation.
The Defence Minister emphasised that dams are a national matter and should not be politicised. He noted that while dams were constructed during the eras of past dictators, the issue now needs to be addressed above politics.
He added that constructing a large dam can take 10 to 15 years; therefore, small dams should be built immediately to prevent water wastage.
Khawaja Asif also criticised local government institutions for being powerless, stating that strong and effective local governments are essential to resolving grassroots-level issues.
He said that in Punjab, local bodies either do not exist or are too weak, and that a comprehensive local government system could have mitigated the impact of natural disasters.
He concluded by stating that this destruction is not natural but man-made, and its solution requires serious planning and the establishment of an effective system.
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