7728ISLAMABAD: On the instructions of the Worthy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, National Disaster Management Authority team conducted the final inspection of heavy machinery in Gilgit before handing it over to Gilgit Baltistan Disaster Management Authority (GBDMA). The machinery worth Rs730 million includes wheel loaders, excavators, heavy duty crane, tractors (with all accessories), compressors, rock drill machines etc. The machinery has been procured primarily for the disaster prone areas of Gilgit-Baltistan which have witnessed number of disasters during the past decade in the form of flash floods and land sliding affecting road networks specially Karakoram Highway (KKH). Realizing the fragility of GBDMA, Prime Minister Sharif announced special funds for heavy machinery to Gilgit Baltistan which has been imported by provincial government in coordination with NDMA. Complete machinery after the successful test & trials by NDMA team headed by Brig Mukhtar Ahmed, Member (Operation) has handed over the same to GBDMA on the instructions of Chairman NDMA, Lieutenant General Omar Mahmood Hayat Hilal-e-Imtiaz (Military) on 3 May 2017. The initiative will enhance the capability of GBDMA for effective disaster management and ensure connectivity of inaccessible remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan during disasters. via Samaa