Gujarat: Authorities shift residents from flooded areas
Gandhinagar, July 23
The Gandhinagar district administration shifted around 15 women and children from flood-affected low-lying areas to a temporary shelter on Thursday as heavy rainfall continued across the district, prompting authorities to place the entire administration on high alert and issue precautionary directives to all departments.
According to the Gandhinagar District Control Room, the district recorded an average rainfall of 36.5 mm, or around 1.5 inches, up to 6 p.m. on July 23.
Mansa taluka received the highest rainfall at 54 mm, with 39 mm falling within just two hours between 4 p.m and 6 p.m.
Gandhinagar taluka recorded 48 mm of rainfall, including 26 mm during the same two-hour period, while Kalol received 26 mm and Dehgam recorded 18 mm during the day.
Officials said the district experienced intermittent light to moderate showers from the morning under cloudy skies, with rainfall intensifying during the evening.
An average of 20.25 mm of rain was recorded across the district between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. With forecasts indicating the possibility of further heavy rainfall, the district administration activated emergency measures.
Around 15 women and children from Chiloda (Daboda) village and the Sancholi area in Gandhinagar taluka, where rainwater had accumulated in low-lying localities, were shifted to a local school under the supervision of the district administration.
Authorities said accommodation, bedding and food arrangements had been made for those shifted.
District Collector Ravindra Khatale directed officials to ensure that no inconvenience was caused to residents staying at the shelter.
The Taluka Development Officer said the school had also been prepared to accommodate more than 60 people with basic facilities if additional evacuations became necessary, while water drainage operations were continuing in the affected areas.
The administration also issued detailed instructions to all Mamlatdars, Taluka Development Officers, municipal chief officers, officials of the Roads and Buildings Department, Irrigation Department and Forest Department, directing them to remain at their headquarters and not leave without prior approval from the competent authority.
Officials were instructed to undertake timely evacuation in vulnerable low-lying areas if required, install barricades at waterlogged and hazardous locations, deploy police where necessary, keep dewatering pumps ready, relocate residents from severely dilapidated buildings if there was any risk to life, restore roads blocked by fallen trees and maintain safety along the Narmada Canal and adjoining roads.
The district administration said it was continuously monitoring weather and disaster alerts received through the Sachet App and appealed to residents to rely only on official advisories and avoid rumours.
In Gandhinagar city, Deputy Municipal Commissioner B.R. Ahir, City Engineer B.K. Pandya and other senior officials reviewed the rainfall situation from the Integrated Command and Control Centre through live monitoring of roads, stormwater drainage and sewerage networks.
Mayor Mira Patel also visited affected areas, including Sectors 4 and 6, and instructed officials to expedite rainwater drainage, address waterlogging and maintain uninterrupted civic services while civic teams remained deployed across the city round the clock.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see officials like District Collector Khatale and Mayor Patel on the ground. The dewatering pumps and barricades are basic but essential. My only concern is the drainage in old Gandhinagar sectors—waterlogging happens every year. Hope they fix it permanently instead of just reacting during rains.
Mansa taluka got 54 mm—that's a lot in a short time! The administration's preparation with live monitoring from the command center seems impressive. But let's be honest: in rural areas like Chiloda, the real hero is the local school staff who set up beds and food. They don't get enough credit! 🌊👏
Every monsoon, we see similar stories across Gujarat. The administration's standard operating procedure (SOP) is solid—evacuation, shelters, dewatering. But I wish they'd invest more in long-term drainage infrastructure. Also, why are only women and children shifted? What about elderly men or disabled persons? Hope they're not left out. Safety first 😊
The Sachet App is a great tool—glad the administration is using it to monitor alerts. But with heavy rain forecast, I hope all residents in low-lying areas check it regularly. The appeal to avoid rumours is important too—social media often spreads panic! Stay alert, stay safe, Gandhinagar! ☔️
I'm from Gandhinagar and know Sancholi area well. It's a low-lying zone where water accumulates every year. The administration's quick response this time is appreciated, but why wasn't this flood-prone area fixed after last year's
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