The provincial Punjab Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) issued an alert detailing precautionary measures in response to the threat of potential drought conditions caused by considerably reduced precipitation.
According to a circular issued to commissioners, assistant commissioners and relevant Punjab services, the meteorological service reports a 38% decrease in winter precipitation in the province. The regions of Bahawalpur, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan are faced with the highest risk of drought.
The PDMA Punjab warned that the reduction in precipitation could harm the cultures of the Rabi season. In addition, a potential decrease in rice production can cause substantial economic losses for local farmers.
PDMA Director General, Irfan Ali Kathia, stressed the importance of proactively informing farmers of the potential rarity of water. He stressed that arrangements have already been taken in anticipation of water shortages in the regions of Thal and Cholistan, urging the local administration to remain vigilant.
Kathia also said that the Department of School Education would participate in awareness campaigns. He stressed that preventive measures could help to alleviate the damage caused by crops, emphasizing collective responsibility in the fight against the planned water shortage.
