Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma Reviews Rainfall Impact: Emphasizes Public Safety, Relief Readiness, and Green Initiatives

Jaipur – Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma held a high-level review meeting at his residence on Sunday to assess the situation caused by heavy rains across several districts, particularly the flooding in urban areas and the rising water levels in rivers and dams. Stressing that citizen safety is the top priority, he instructed officials to carry out rescue and relief operations with utmost vigilance and sensitivity.

The Chief Minister directed all officials to operate in “alert mode” and respond swiftly to emerging situations. He called for continuous monitoring of water levels in rivers, ponds, and reservoirs, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Teams from SDRF, Civil Defence, and Home Guards have been asked to remain on high alert with adequate resources. Additionally, Sharma emphasized the effective operation of district control rooms and widespread dissemination of helpline numbers.

Massive Plantation Drive under ‘Hariyalo Rajasthan’

Highlighting the state’s green mission, CM Sharma announced that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rajasthan successfully planted over 7 crore saplings last year under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and “Hariyalo Rajasthan” campaigns. This monsoon, the target is to plant 10 crore saplings. He directed officials to identify suitable locations for plantation and ensure active participation from various departments, including education, health, panchayati raj, and forest, while encouraging public involvement.

Monitoring of Damaged Infrastructure

The Chief Minister ordered the relocation of affected individuals and livestock to safer areas, ensuring the availability of drinking water, food, and other essentials in flood-affected zones. He directed the immediate repair of damaged roads and restoration of electricity. Constant monitoring and urgent repair work on damaged dams and canals were also instructed.

Public Awareness and Flood Relief Funds

CM Sharma urged district collectors to install warning signs at flood-prone roads, bridges, and water bodies and to keep the public informed about ongoing relief and rescue measures. He also advised precautions for students’ safety during adverse weather. Citizens were strongly urged to avoid crossing flooded areas and stay alert during heavy rains, lightning, and other natural disasters.

The state government has already disbursed ₹20 lakh each to divisional headquarters districts and ₹10 lakh each to others for flood relief efforts. According to the latest data, 36 districts have received excessive rainfall, while 5 recorded above-normal rainfall. The state’s dam storage capacity is 13,027 MCM, 67% of which is already filled.

Safety Assessments and Long-Term Water Conservation

The Chief Minister instructed that all districts prepare constituency-wise reports on dilapidated buildings, waterlogged areas, broken roads, and vulnerable river crossings. Compensation for rain-related deaths and injuries must be disbursed swiftly and sensitively.

He also called for location identification under the Karmabhumi to Matribhumi campaign for constructing water recharge structures and requested suggestions for maintenance and improvement of works under the Vande Ganga Jal Sanrakshan Jan Abhiyan.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant and senior officials from various departments, while divisional commissioners, district collectors, police officials, and others joined via video conferencing.