Gujarat Chief Secretary Urges Preemptive Measures As Heavy Rainfall Forecasted

Given the forecast of heavy to very heavy rains in Gujarat, a review meeting was convened at the State Emergency Operation Center under the leadership of Chief Secretary Rajkumar. During the meeting, Chief Secretary Rajkumar advised Nodal Officers, Survey District Collectors, and Municipal Commissioners, who joined via video conference, to stay alert for potential hazards.

An official from the India Meteorological Department provided detailed information about the anticipated heavy rains across Gujarat for the coming week. In response, Chief Secretary Rajkumar directed district administrations to prepare adequately and ensure that officers and employees remain on duty at their respective headquarters given the current rain conditions.

Special attention was advised for areas likely to see large gatherings due to the Shravan festivals to prevent any accidents or mishaps caused by heavy rains. In-charge secretaries were instructed to remain in their districts and guide the administration effectively.

Key departments including Animal Husbandry, Energy, Agriculture, Roads and Buildings, Health and Family Welfare, Panchayats, Urban Development, Irrigation, and NDRF were instructed to implement precautionary measures in anticipation of the heavy rain.

Chief Secretary Rajkumar emphasized the need for proactive measures to manage water accumulation, prevent disease outbreaks, quickly restore closed roads, and monitor water levels in dams.

Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue Department Jayanthi Ravi and Principal Secretary of Urban Development Department Ashwini Kumar offered additional recommendations and stressed vigilance.

Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey also urged all nodal officers to take necessary precautions given the prevailing conditions. According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, districts such as Valsad, Tapi, Navsari, Surat, Narmada, and Panchmahal in South Gujarat have been significantly impacted by the heavy rainfall, with Vapi recording the highest rainfall of 326 mm in the past 24 hours. Heavy rains and waterlogging have disrupted normal life in various parts of the state.