Punjab bans WASA operations without safety SOPs

Muhammad Muzamil Awan : Lahore: The Punjab government has banned WASA field operations without proper safety SOPs on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Secretary Housing Noorul Amin Mengal issued key orders, while the Directorate General WASA Punjab released a formal guideline for field teams. WASA staff must now use safety kits during manhole cleaning and desilting, while gas detectors have been made mandatory before entering manholes. Protective suits, helmets, face masks, safety cones, tape, warning boards, and supervised suction operations are also required. The decision matters ahead of monsoon because safe desilting can reduce urban flooding risks, protect workers, and improve drainage performance. Stronger drainage systems also support roads, commercial areas, property safety, and urban investment confidence. Can these SOPs improve city resilience before heavy rains?