Senate panel expresses concern over Wapda chairman’s absence from meetings

The Senate Standing Committee on Water Resources has voiced its frustration over the continuous absence of the Chairman of the Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Lt General Sajjad Ghani (retired), from committee meetings.

The committee reviewed extensive encroachments along rivers and canals in Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), and Balochistan, raising concerns over increased flood risks during the monsoon season. Senator Awan highlighted the urgency of obtaining detailed information on pending cases and encroachment locations, emphasizing their significant impact on floods.

Reports indicated 153 encroachments in KPK, with 87 removed, and 153 in Punjab. Sindh recorded 26 cases, clearing 11, while Balochistan’s details remained unavailable.

To enhance monitoring, Federal Minister Musadik Malik proposed leveraging SUPARCO’s satellite technology to effectively track encroachments. The committee directed provincial authorities to present comprehensive reports on encroachment locations and actions taken by the next session.

Committee members expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of accurate data. Senator Faisal Saleem highlighted the devastating role of encroachments during Swat floods, where hotels in unsafe zones were destroyed. He noted that satellite data, rather than site inspections, uncovered the extent of illegal structures.

The committee stressed the importance of transparent reporting, timely actions, and interprovincial collaboration to prevent future flood damage. Provincial governments were urged to act decisively against encroachments and submit detailed updates. With satellite monitoring now available, authorities aim to mitigate flood risks by addressing illegal land occupation efficiently.

Senators Faisal Saleem Rahman, Saadia Abbasi, Tahir Khalil, Poonjo Bheel, and representatives from the Ministry of Water Resources participated in the meeting.