LAHORE: Punjab government is reported to have introduced drone-based surveillance for the first time to monitor rivers and key water infrastructure, enabling authorities to respond more swiftly to any emerging flood threat, in what is considered as a major step towards improving flood preparedness during the monsoon season.
The initiative, launched on the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, aims to provide real-time aerial monitoring of the province’s major rivers, barrages and headworks, allowing officials to assess changing conditions and issue timely alerts where necessary.
پنجاب میں پہلی مرتبہ سیلاب کی پیشگی اطلاع کے لئے ڈرون مانیٹرنگ شروع
وزیراعلیٰ پنجاب مریم نواز کی ہدایت پر تمام بیراج،دریاؤں اورہیڈ ورکس کی ڈرون سرویلنس
دریاؤ ں،ہیڈ ورکس اوربیراجوں میں واٹر لیول کا جائزہ لینے کیلئے سیف سٹی ڈرون مانیٹرنگ کی گئی#Lahore #CmPunjab
#SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/tLfYhpWlXr— Sumair jamil (@sumair_shah123) July 23, 2026
Media reports quoted officials as saying that modern drones operated through the Safe City system are being used to continuously monitor water levels, riverbanks and the overall flood situation.
The technology is expected to improve early detection of potential flood waves and facilitate faster coordination among disaster management and rescue agencies.
As part of the ongoing surveillance, drone monitoring has been carried out along the Ravi and Sutlej rivers in Pakpattan to assess river conditions and identify any signs of bank erosion.
Similar aerial inspections have also been conducted at Talibwala Bridge on the Chenab River in Sargodha, Head Sidhnai Barrage in Khanewal, the Kutab Shahana area of Sahiwal, Head Marala in Sialkot and Rasool Barrage in Mandi Bahauddin.
Officials said the use of drones provides a comprehensive view of river conditions that is difficult to obtain through conventional ground inspections alone. The technology is expected to enhance planning, improve situational awareness and support quicker decision-making during periods of heavy rainfall and rising water levels.
The Punjab government said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to modernise disaster management and strengthen the province’s capacity to monitor and respond to flood-related emergencies throughout the monsoon season.
