Gujarat Police have deployed 1,036 personnel from 11 companies of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) across vulnerable locations statewide, as the state ramps up disaster preparedness ahead of heavy monsoon rainfall. The deployment, in place since 28 June, was reviewed during a high-level video conference at Police Bhavan, Gandhinagar on Wednesday, 1 July.

Review Meeting and Key Directives

The preparedness review was chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) G.S. Malik, with participation from senior officers, Armed Units personnel, and Superintendents of Police (SPs) from districts across the state. The meeting covered emergency communication, coordinated rescue operations, and preventive measures to limit disruption during adverse weather conditions.

Acknowledging that mobile networks are prone to failure during heavy rainfall, DGP Malik directed all police units to keep local wireless communication networks fully operational. Police stations have also been instructed to maintain adequate fuel stocks — diesel and petrol — to keep generator sets running during power outages.

Multi-Agency Coordination Framework

The review stressed the need for seamless coordination among the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), SDRF, Home Guards, Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD), Traffic Brigade (TRB), and local administrative authorities during emergencies. District SPs have been asked to hold immediate meetings with SDRF platoon commanders in their jurisdictions to assess equipment availability, deployment positions, and communication plans. SDRF teams are also to be integrated with local wireless frequencies wherever necessary.

Community Volunteers and Trained Responders

To broaden community-level response capacity, Gujarat Police will mobilise trained 'Aapda Mitras' and selected 'Yuva Aapda Mitras' drawn from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Details of these volunteers will be maintained in district control rooms to enable rapid deployment during emergencies. SDRF personnel have also received specialised training in flood rescue, fallen-tree removal, and clearing road obstructions.

Infrastructure Checks and Compliance

In a notable operational directive, DGP Malik ordered heads of all police stations, outposts, and government offices to personally inspect and clean rooftops before the onset of heavy rain. Officials were informed that leaves and debris blocking drainage outlets can cause water accumulation and structurally weaken building slabs. Compliance reports have been sought, and a second round of inspections has been mandated after the first significant rainfall spell.

With the monsoon advancing steadily across Gujarat, authorities are expected to remain on heightened alert through the peak rainfall months of July and August.