Is Gujarat Prepared for the Monsoon Challenges?

Synopsis
Gujarat is gearing up for the monsoon season as Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel leads a crucial meeting to ensure all departments are prepared. With emphasis on community participation, disaster management, and robust action plans, the state aims to mitigate the impact of heavy rains. Learn how local authorities and trained volunteers are mobilizing efforts to keep residents safe.
Key Takeaways
- High-level meeting chaired by CM Bhupendra Patel.
- Focus on proactive disaster management.
- Emphasis on community involvement in local plans.
- Special attention to public safety sectors.
- Deployment of NDRF teams in vulnerable areas.
Ahmedabad, June 11 (NationPress) Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a significant meeting on Wednesday to evaluate the readiness of various government departments for the impending monsoon season.
The discussion emphasized proactive disaster management strategies and collaboration across all administrative tiers—from municipal corporations to district and taluka levels.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of boosting community involvement in local disaster management initiatives and instructed departments to organize mock drills and training sessions.
Special focus was directed towards departments crucial to public safety and welfare, including irrigation, health, energy, roads, and food supplies, to ensure that their monsoon action plans are thorough and effective.
To reduce potential damage from severe rainfall, CM Patel instructed the Road and Building Department to devise alternative routes should highways face disruptions.
He was informed that 90% of the preliminary monsoon inspections on minor bridges and causeways have been finalized.
The Energy Department confirmed it is equipped with satellite phones and sufficient personnel to promptly restore power during outages caused by the monsoon, according to the Chief Minister.
In areas prone to flooding such as Saurashtra and Kutch, the Chief Minister advocated for the permanent deployment of NDRF teams and directed Jayanti Ravi, the Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue, to liaise with Central authorities for timely assistance.
Currently, 15 NDRF and 11 SDRF teams are stationed throughout Gujarat.
The Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority reported that nearly 9,000 trained disaster volunteers will be mobilized, with intensive training planned to enhance local response capabilities.
Urban regions, especially municipal corporations and district administrations, will also intensify mock drills and community engagement efforts.
State Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi instructed departments to ensure that control rooms operate 24/7 across all districts and that required resources are accessible without delay.
Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, M.K. Das, along with senior Secretaries from key departments, were also present at the meeting.
Officials from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), NDRF, and the Indian Coast Guard participated in the meeting to offer insights and support.