Gujarat readies 36 disaster response teams ahead of monsoon, targets 'zero casualty'
Gandhinagar, June 3
Gujarat has positioned 14 National Disaster Response Force teams and 22 State Disaster Response Force teams ahead of the monsoon season as the state administration stepped up preparedness measures with a stated goal of ensuring "zero casualty" during heavy rain and flood situations.
The preparedness plan was reviewed at a high-level pre-monsoon meeting chaired by Chief Secretary M. K. Das in Gandhinagar on Wednesday, bringing together senior state officials, the Director General of Police, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and heads of various departments, along with representatives of central agencies and security forces.
Das noted that the state administration was fully prepared for the monsoon and directed all departments to ensure the effective implementation of their disaster management plans.
He instructed officials to maintain adequate stocks of essential commodities, medicines, and relief supplies so that citizens do not face difficulties in the event of heavy rainfall or flooding.
Das also ordered the immediate operationalisation of control rooms at the state, district, and taluka levels before the onset of the monsoon.
Referring to instructions issued by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Chief Secretary said: "The administration should remain fully prepared to prevent any loss of life during the rainy season."
He stressed the need to complete pending road and drainage works in both urban and rural areas at the earliest to minimise disruption to the public.
He also directed the Roads and Buildings Department to undertake necessary repairs to roads and bridges carrying heavy traffic.
The Forest Department was asked to begin tree-trimming work in coordination with local authorities to reduce the risk of trees falling during the first spells of rain and strong winds, which can lead to traffic congestion and casualties.
The Chief Secretary further instructed officials to closely monitor water inflows and storage conditions at major reservoirs, including the Sardar Sarovar and Ukai dams.
Revenue Department's Additional Chief Secretary Jayanti Ravi told the meeting that 14 NDRF teams and 22 SDRF teams would be deployed across the state for rescue and emergency response operations during periods of heavy rainfall.
She said the teams would be equipped with boats, life jackets, and advanced communication systems.
"Under the State Monsoon Disaster Plan, officers from all departments would be required to work in close coordination with district administrations to ensure a swift response to emergencies," she added.
The meeting also reviewed disaster management plans presented by key departments and agencies, coordinated with the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), including meteorological authorities, central security forces, urban development, health, roads and buildings, and supply departments.
Officials from the armed forces, Border Security Force, Coast Guard, Central Reserve Police Force, Central Water Commission, Rapid Action Force, Railways, BSNL, Doordarshan, ISRO, and All India Radio were among those present at the review meeting.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Zero casualty is a bold target, but I hope they mean it this time. Last year in Vadodara, water entered homes and people struggled for days. Relief supplies need to reach quickly, not just be stocked in godowns. Let's see the execution now. 🤞
Good to see coordinated efforts—NDRF, armed forces, ISRO, even All India Radio involved. As an outsider, I appreciate the seriousness. But frequent reviews and community awareness are also key. Hope lessons from past disasters in Kerala and Mumbai are applied here.
Tree trimming by forest department with local bodies? That's a smart move—every year we see branches falling on cars and power lines. But why wait for monsoon? Should be done year-round in vulnerable areas. Anyway, better late than never. 🚗🌳
As a resident of coastal Gujarat, I've seen cyclones and floods. The 'zero casualty' goal is ambitious but appreciated. However, what about the poor in low-lying slums? They need early warnings and evacuation plans. Hope the control rooms are actually functional, not just on paper. 🙏
Impressive level of coordination—police, forest, health, roads, all under one roof. But infrastructure like roads and drainage needs to be monsoon-proof, not just repaired after damage. Hopefully, the state will invest in long-term solutions like stormwater drains. 👍
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