Khawaja Zaheer Ahmed - PDMA

xvi) Finally Appendix VI is a critique on relevance of the
American experience of flood levels by cut off and sand fills
and how much of it could be used by Sindh, in Pakistan.
Unfortunately, from the depositions and other material on
record, it was established that this Manual was treated more
like a Holy Book, respected & worshipped in name, without
being practiced; that was most disappointing especially as its
newest editor was at the helm during the 2010 Flood and
could have used that to revise his paradigm. What use was it
if its SOPs were neither followed, nor steps taken even to
familiarize the concerned officials with this immensely
educative material, preferably in their native language or
what they could comprehend. To use it as a mandatory part
of training pre-condition to qualify for promotions, through
departmental examinations or application of mind to spring-
clean its irrelevant components; e.g. the obligation to search
for a ‘Pathan’s donkey’ [no offence meant to our proud
Pashtoon brothers], as a means of transporting essential
materials to site; surely a situation like the 2010 Flood
justified more speedier modes of transport to plug the
breaches. Additionally, it was noted that the material aspects
of instructions were not highlighted before this Commission,
as was the case with the other official forums and that
confirmed:-
1) That the field staff was or had been made aware that
the Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri Barrages had a capacity
to discharge1.2 million, 1.1 million and 1.0 million
cusecs, respectively; the written briefs presented
before the Sindh Cabinet and by the Provincial
irrigation Minister on 18 th April before this Commission
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