In order to share the lessons learnt and challenges faced during Flood Response 2010 by primary and secondary level stakeholders of south Punjab; some 60 participants gathered at Lahore on Tuesday July 17^th in an event (Peoples Assembly) organized by Actionaid Pakistan & Provincial Disaster Management Authority, Punjab to analyze the post flood situation with regard to gaps and risks.

The recommendations during the sessions made are consolidated as under

1. There should be clear breaching policy for the Tounsa Barrage to avoid future emergency.
2. One person one family card for the married persons to avoid duplication, watan cards system to be devolved at the district, union council and village level. Moreover School Management Committees to be utilized to verify the affectees list. Computer software can also be used to double check the overlap.
3. There should be committee at union council level to verify the process and its transparency and accountability measures.
4. We should also plan for behavior change of the affected communities keeping in view their increased dependency in rehabilitation phase.
5. Selection/eligibility criteria for the model villages by the government may also be developed and followed.
6. Dams can meet flood threats.
7. Efforts to be made to make sure that local women and children are also involved in the future planning process.
8. Grassroots level institutions like DDMA may be fully strengthened and empowered enough to take decisions and ensure timely response avoiding confusions and unnecessary delay.

Let us make sure that we will keep building on these lessons learnt through adopting a professional approach which is also need of the day to avoid unnecessary delays or potential threats.