Gujarat CM visits flood-hit Ahmedabad, orders faster relief operations
Ahmedabad, July 24
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday reviewed the rain-hit areas of Ahmedabad after personally visiting flood-affected localities, including Bopal, Ambli and Ghuma, where heavy rainfall led to severe waterlogging.
During his visit to Bopal, the Chief Minister entered the flooded area on foot to assess the situation firsthand, interacted with residents and directed officials to speed up relief and drainage operations.
Patel first inspected the waterlogging situation in Bopal, where heavy rain had inundated several areas.
Taking stock of the conditions on the ground, he reviewed the ongoing drainage of rainwater as well as relief and rescue operations with senior officials at the site.
According to the officials, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to speed up relief and rescue work and ensure the immediate availability of the necessary manpower, equipment and other resources.
He also directed officials to undertake work on a war footing to resolve the problem of waterlogging and ensure that no residential society remained inundated.
Later, Patel visited the rain-affected areas of Ambli and Ghuma and chaired a review meeting with senior officials from the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation, the police and other departments.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Minister Rushikesh Patel, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani and other senior officials.
The Chief Minister assessed the extent of rainwater accumulation across different parts of the city and instructed officials to address the difficulties being faced by residents because of the heavy rainfall.
He also directed that cleanliness and public health measures be prioritised in affected areas once the floodwaters recede.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that complaints related to waterlogging, fallen trees, road settlement and other rain-related incidents were being attended to on priority.
Separately, the AMC said its emergency response teams had handled 166 complaints related to fallen trees and branches during the heavy rainfall.
The civic body reported responding to 129 incidents of fallen trees and 52 incidents of fallen branches, adding that no roads in the city remained closed because of fallen trees after clearance operations restored traffic.
"Garden Department teams equipped with manpower and machinery were deployed across the West, East, North-West, South-West, Central and South Zones for continuous patrolling and monitoring. Work was continuing at one location in Shahibaug, although traffic movement there remained unaffected," officials said.
AMC added that "its 24-hour response system remained active to minimise inconvenience to residents and that rapid clearance of fallen trees and branches had helped maintain traffic movement and public safety during the adverse weather".
Chief Minister Patel is also scheduled to chair a review meeting of the state's rainfall situation at the State Emergency Operation Centre later in the day.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good that CM visited but this waterlogging happens every year in Bopal and Ghuma. The real issue is unplanned construction blocking natural water channels. AMC should have been proactive before the rains, not reactive after the flood. Still, appreciate that officials cleared 166 fallen tree complaints - that's quick work! 🙏
It's encouraging to see political leaders taking direct action during natural disasters. The fact that Mr Patel walked through flooded areas to speak with residents shows accountability. However, I hope this visit translates into long-term urban planning reforms, not just immediate relief. Climate change means these events will only get more frequent.
As a Bopal resident, I can confirm - the water was knee-deep on Thursday. CM's visit brought some urgency but honestly, this is an annual circus. We need proper stormwater drains and retention ponds, not just photo ops and review meetings. AMC's 24-hour helpline is good but didn't help us much during the peak. Let's see if the 'war footing' actually works this time. 🤞
Appreciate the quick response from AMC clearing 129 fallen trees - that's no small task in heavy rain! The priority on cleanliness after floodwaters recede is crucial because waterborne diseases like dengue and leptospirosis follow floods. Let's hope the relief reaches the neediest families in the low-lying areas. Masks and sanitizers should also be distributed! 😷
It's commendable that the Chief Minister personally visited affected areas and held an emergency meeting with municipal and police officials
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.