CHINIOT - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz on Tuesday announced that the government will compensate farmers for damages to crops and rebuild houses of the flood-affectees. Shahbaz Sharif made the announcement during a visited flood affected Hersa Sheikh village, some 15-km from here on Pindi Bhattian Road.
Addressing the flood-affectees, the CM declared that he would not take rest until each of the flood-displaced people was resettled in their homes. He said that the government was well aware of the miseries of the flood-hit people and the district administration was working round the clock to mitigate their sufferings through the establishment of relief camps, provision of medical facilities, livestock vaccination and dispensation of baked food and dry ration.  Shahbaz Sharif announced that the governmet would provide compensation for the damaged to crops by floods and rebuilding of damaged houses.
A large number of people gathered there who also demanded waiver of electricity bills of the flood-hit villages.  Earlier, Chiniot DCO Dr Irshad Ahmad briefed the chief minister about the flood situation, adding that 75 kilometres long River Chenab belt passed through the district. The floods in 2010 was only 200,000 cusecs while the current flood was up to 420,000 cusec which inundated 142 villages of Chiniot, damaging more than 400 houses and standing crops over 137,000 acres of land. The DCO apprised that three persons were killed in floods while one case each of snake biting and dog biting had also been reported. He said that 832 patients were treated in relief activities while 10,000 cattle heads were vaccinated for epidemics.
He said that the government set up nine relief centres which were providing healthcare, shelter to both people and livestock round the clock. The philanthropists have also been taking part in rehabilitation as the administration of Ramzan Sugar Mills donated Rs2 million.
Two time meal is also being provided to the stranded people through boats from Iqal Rice Mills while 1,000 hampers were donated by the Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for distribution to affectees.
The Punjab CM appreciated the efforts of the district administration and urged to accelerate efforts till complete rehabilitation of the affectees. Shahbaz also directed the administration to start a survey to assess losses. The chief minister was accompanied by MNA GM Lali and MPAs - Maulana Ilyas Chinioti and Imtiaz Lali. Faisalabad Commissioner Najam Ahmad Shah and District Police officer Munir Zia were also present on the occasion.
On the occasion, the locals demanded sewage system for the village and rehabilitation of damaged roads at which the CM directed the authorities for immediate action.