A high-level review was conducted by the CM to assess the preparedness of all government departments for the monsoon season

Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel held a high-level review meeting to assess the Gujarat Government’s preparedness and advance planning for the anticipated conditions during the upcoming monsoon season.

Various state departments have already initiated pre-monsoon measures, ensuring that disaster management plans are in place to minimize the adverse impact of heavy rainfall on public life. CM Patel was briefed in detail on these plans and arrangements.

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for a permanently deployed NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) team in the Saurashtra and Kutch regions, to ensure timely assistance during emergencies. He instructed Dr. Jayanti Ravi, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, to coordinate with NDRF for the same.

Addressing senior secretaries, CM Patel stated that any emergency repair work carried out during the monsoon to restore normalcy must be effectively communicated to the public through social media and the press, highlighting the government’s positive efforts.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Pankaj Joshi, Principal Secretary to CM Shri M.K. Das, and senior secretaries from departments involved in essential services. These included representatives from the Disaster Management Authority, Irrigation and Water Resources, Water Supply, Energy, Food and Civil Supplies, Roads and Buildings, and Health departments, all of whom shared their department’s pre-monsoon activity plans.

The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) shared that urban areas, including municipal corporations and district/taluka-level units, would conduct mock drills and training programs to increase community participation in disaster preparedness. The government also plans to provide intensive rescue and relief training to around 9,000 community disaster volunteers (“Aapda Mitras”).

CM Patel also directed officials to immediately repair highways and roads damaged by heavy rainfall, and to keep alternative routes ready. The Secretary of the Roads and Buildings Department reported that 90% of small bridges and causeways across the state have already undergone pre-monsoon inspection.

Energy Department Additional Chief Secretary Shri S.J. Haider confirmed that his department is fully equipped with satellite phones, equipment, and manpower to ensure swift restoration of power supply in case of disruptions caused by the rains.

Chief Secretary Shri Pankaj Joshi instructed all departments to ensure district-level control rooms remain operational round-the-clock, and that adequate supplies and assistance are provided to districts based on their specific requirements.

Officials from the India Meteorological Department, NDRF, and Indian Coast Guard also participated in the review meeting, reinforcing the collaborative approach to monsoon preparedness in Gujarat.

Source: Information Department, Gujarat