LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif is responsible for the delayed opening of Taunsa Barrage floodgates resulting in unparalleled devastation, alleged senior PML-Q leader Ch Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday. He made these allegations while talking to media at Muslim League House after sending another batch of truckloads with relief goods for the flood victims. Pervaiz also blamed Shahbaz Sharif for the deliberate removal of the specially trained Taunsa Barrage team earlier appointed by the PML-Q government to handle the newly-installed motorised hoisting system and for replacing it with an inexperienced and untrained staff, which miserably failed in the timely opening of the computerised flood gates of Taunsa Barrage. He further blamed the Punjab Government for lack of preparedness against the floods despite receiving prior and continuous warnings by the MET office. Senior PML-Q leader also accused provincial government of breaking dykes and spurs to protect the interests of the landed elite including the senior PML-N leader Zulifqar Khosa consequently causing a massive aggravation of the catastrophe. He said that flood victims have named the particular breach made in Muzaffargarh Canal to save Khosas estate by diverting the floodwater towards poor neighbourhoods. Ch Pervaiz said that he as the chief minister of Punjab had taken special measures to protect the people of the province against the ravages of floods. He claimed that his government had completed the repair of Taunsa Barrage at a cost of Rs 11 billion. The old gates were replaced with computerised floodgates and a team of highly trained personnel were deployed to operate them. He said that his government during the 2005 earthquake had successfully contributed substantial assistance, manpower and moral support to the quake victims and generated over Rs 350 million in just one night for the earthquake victims relief fund. On the contrary, he said, the people have no faith in the present rulers. Ch Pervaiz praised PML-Q leaders, workers and particularly the members of PML-Q Youth Wing for their selfless and outstanding efforts in the relief and rehabilitation of the unfortunate flood victims. He reiterated his resolve to continue sending help to the flood affected areas. Senior PML-Q leader appealed the nation to donate generously for their unfortunate brothers and sisters.