The Punjab government has launched a drone-based flood surveillance system for the first time to strengthen flood management and improve early warning capabilities across the province. The initiative aims to monitor rivers, barrages, and headworks in real time, enabling authorities to detect rising water levels before floodwaters reach populated areas.
According to a Punjab government spokesperson, the drone surveillance programme was launched on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Officials are using drones to monitor water levels, river flow, and changing conditions across major waterways, allowing disaster management agencies to respond more effectively to potential flood threats.
As part of the operation, drones surveyed Trimmu Barrage, where water levels were reported to be within the normal range. Monitoring was also conducted along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers in Pakpattan, with officials confirming stable water conditions.
Additional aerial inspections were carried out at Talibwala Bridge over the Chenab River in Sargodha, Head Sidhnai, and Rasul Barrage in Mandi Bahauddin. At Head Marala, drone surveillance recorded a water flow of 174,000 cusecs, helping authorities assess the evolving flood situation.
Officials say the new drone technology will modernize Punjab’s flood monitoring system by providing real-time aerial data, improving coordination among disaster response agencies, and enabling faster emergency planning during the monsoon season.
