Seven dams on ‘high alert’ as Gujarat govt reviews rain situation in Saurashtra (Lead)

Gandhinagar, July 7 (SocialNews.XYZ) The Gujarat government has stepped up its preparedness measures in Saurashtra following heavy rainfall across the region, with a high-level review of disaster management, rescue operations and public safety held for Amreli, Rajkot and Bhavnagar districts.

Amreli and Rajkot district minister-in-charge Jitu Vaghani chaired a virtual meeting from Gandhinagar on Tuesday with district administrations to assess the evolving situation, review emergency preparedness and monitor the status of low-lying areas, reservoirs and essential public services.

The meeting was attended by Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya, Bhavnagar minister-in-charge Kaushik Vekariya, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly and senior district officials, including Collectors, District Development Officers, Municipal Commissioners and disaster management officials, who presented their respective action plans.

During the review, Vaghani received live updates from the Collectors on conditions in vulnerable low-lying areas, the flow in rivers and streams and the inflow into reservoirs.

He instructed officials to maintain continuous monitoring of dam safety and overflow situations.

The minister directed the state government's agencies, including the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL), the Water Supply and Irrigation Department, and the Roads and Buildings Department, to remain on standby to deal promptly with any disruption to electricity and water supply or road blockages caused by heavy rain.

He also ordered fresh inspections of dangerous buildings and hoardings, directing authorities to remove any hazardous structures that could pose a risk to the public.

Health authorities were instructed to maintain adequate stocks of chlorine tablets and oral rehydration solution (ORS), while Rapid Response Teams have been activated at the taluka level to prevent outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

District Collectors were also asked to ensure special care for pregnant women and children and, where necessary, move residents to safe shelters equipped with food and drinking water.

Vaghani said the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, remained committed to ensuring public safety.

"The state government is committed to the safety of citizens. All departments of the administration are working in coordination. With a zero-casualty approach, the administration is fully prepared to deal with any situation," he said, urging residents to follow official advisories.

In Amreli district, around 12 inches of rainfall have been recorded this monsoon season, accounting for more than 42 per cent of the district's average annual rainfall. More than two inches fell during the past 24 hours alone.

Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in the district. Authorities said 76 people have been rescued and 641 shifted to safer locations so far this year.

Heavy rainfall had forced the closure of 25 state roads in Amreli, although 19 have since been reopened.

Dhatarwadi and Surajwadi dams have reached full capacity and are on high alert, while Khodiyar Dam is 96 per cent full and Raydi Dam is 95 per cent full.

Dhatarwadi-2 Dam, at 89 per cent capacity, remains on alert, while Shel-Dedumal Dam, at 78 per cent capacity, has been placed at the warning level.

Bhavnagar district has received around eight inches of rainfall this season, more than 30 per cent of its annual average, including over three inches during the last 24 hours.

One NDRF team has been stationed in the district, where authorities have designated 982 shelters for people rescued or evacuated during periods of heavy rainfall.

A total of 859 trained 'Aapda Mitras' are available to assist in rescue and relief operations.

Officials also reported that eight residents of Ahmedabad, whose car was swept away by the swollen Malan River near Otha village in Mahuva taluka, were rescued safely. All 74 state roads in the district remain open.

Of the 918 panchayat roads, seven are closed, with diversions provided on six and an alternative route opened for the remaining one.

Malan and Shetrunji dams are both full and on high alert, while Rozki Dam is 98 per cent full and Ranghola Dam is 96 per cent full. Rajkot district has recorded more than five inches of rainfall this season, exceeding 18 per cent of its average annual rainfall.

Less than one inch fell during the previous 24 hours. One NDRF team and one State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) team have been deployed for emergency response.

Authorities said Venu-2 Dam, which is 76 per cent full, and Aji-2 Dam, at 73 per cent capacity, have been placed at the warning level.

To strengthen coordination during emergencies, a Deputy Collector-level liaison officer has been appointed in every taluka, while the Health Department has established Rapid Response Teams across all talukas in the district.

Source: IANS