CM Bhupendra Patel Reviews Emergency Preparedness Amid Heavy Rains in Gujarat

Gandhinagar : On Tuesday late evening, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the State Emergency Operations Center in Gandhinagar and chaired a high-level meeting with senior state officials, police, the Meteorological Department, NDRF, and Coast Guard officers to assess the state’s preparedness and alertness amid ongoing heavy rainfall.

The Chief Minister issued specific directives to ensure strict precautions, especially in the Saurashtra region, where river overflows have led to flooding of small bridges, causeways, and culverts. He stressed that no vehicles or people should attempt to cross dangerously overflowing water bodies and instructed officials to install warning signboards and, where necessary, deploy police personnel at such spots.

CM Patel also directed that in areas where communication networks have been disrupted due to the downpour, alternative communication systems such as satellite phones should be deployed immediately to restore contact with affected villages.

District Collectors were instructed to arrange for the safe relocation of people and livestock from low-lying areas and ensure that relief shelters are equipped with adequate food, water, and healthcare facilities.

Referring to the weather department’s forecast of continued heavy rain across the state in the coming days, the Chief Minister emphasized a “zero casualty” approach. He instructed all administrative units to remain fully prepared and proactive in handling the evolving situation.

To aid in emergency rescue and relief efforts, 12 NDRF teams have been deployed across 12 districts, and SDRF teams are active in 20 other districts. Both NDRF and SDRF units remain stationed in all districts to support local administrations as needed.

In view of road blockages due to waterlogging and damage in Saurashtra and South Gujarat, the Chief Minister ordered the immediate restoration and reopening of affected routes.

So far, 259 people have been relocated from low-lying and flood-affected areas, and 139 individuals have been successfully rescued across the state.

CM Patel also held a video conference with the District Collectors of Botad and Amreli to review ongoing rescue, relief, and rehabilitation efforts in their respective regions.

The review meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi, Additional Chief Secretaries, senior state officials, and representatives from the NDRF and Meteorological Department.

Source: Information Department, Government of Gujarat