Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi reviews heavy rainfall situation, directs round-the-clock preparedness
Gandhinagar, July 7
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting on the heavy rainfall situation in the state and directed authorities to ensure round-the-clock preparedness, immediate deployment of disaster response teams wherever required and timely evacuation of people from vulnerable areas.
According to a release, the meeting was held in Gandhinagar through video conference in view of the heavy to extremely heavy rainfall recorded in several parts of the state over the last 24 hours. The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the prevailing situation and disaster management preparedness with senior officials from the affected districts.
Sanghavi interacted with Collectors, Superintendents of Police, District Development Officers and Municipal Commissioners of Surat, Navsari, Valsad, Bhavnagar, Dahod, Panchmahal, Mahisagar, Mehsana, Surendranagar, Ahmedabad, Amreli, Dang, Tapi, Junagadh and Gir Somnath districts to assess the ground situation, the release said.
The Deputy Chief Minister directed all district administrations to remain operational round the clock to respond to any emergency and ensure that control rooms function continuously. He also instructed officials to immediately deploy National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams wherever required in low-lying and heavy rainfall-affected areas.
According to the release, directions were also issued to ensure timely evacuation of residents from waterlogging- and flood-prone areas to designated shelters and provide food, drinking water and medical facilities. Officials were further instructed to continuously monitor roads, power supply and communication networks to minimise disruption caused by heavy rainfall.
"The State Government is continuously monitoring the situation. Ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens during emergencies is the Government's highest priority," Sanghavi said, adding that all necessary arrangements had been put in place to ensure close coordination among district administrations and a swift response.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Truly appreciate the round-the-clock monitoring and video conferencing with district officials. But I feel we need to invest more in long-term drainage infrastructure in cities like Surat and Ahmedabad. Every monsoon, the same areas get waterlogged. Band-aid solutions won't work forever.
Good to see Harsh Sanghavi personally taking charge. The coordination between Collectors, SPs, and Municipal Commissioners is crucial. I just hope the evacuation plans are executed smoothly in low-lying areas. People in coastal districts like Junagadh and Gir Somnath should be moved to shelters well in advance.
The priority should be saving lives, but we must also look at the economic impact. Farmers in districts like Panchmahal and Mahisagar have just sown their kharif crops. Heavy rainfall can wash away everything. Hope the compensation and relief packages are announced quickly this time. 🌾
Having lived in both India and abroad, I must say the disaster response here has improved significantly. The video conferencing with 15 district teams shows seriousness. But I'm still skeptical about the local-level implementation - do all those control rooms actually have power backup and trained staff? Hope it's not just a photo op.
My family is in Surat and they said the rain hasn't stopped since last night. Seeing these directives gives us some relief - especially the part about ensuring food, drinking water, and medical facilities in shelters. But please also check the condition of roads and bridges; many are in pathetic shape even in normal weather. 🚨
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