Gujarat all ready to face the rains

Monsoon has already set in, in Gujarat, and the authorities are busy preparing for the possible threats of flooding to minimise the impact on the industry.

Gujarat Disaster Management Authority has already started coordinating with the taluk and district-level authorities so that they can guide them and can escape the heavy damage to property and business.

Last year in August the state had witnessed a major flood situation in the state and Surat, the hub of diamond and textiles industry was 95 per cent submerged under water from River Tapti and over 10,000 cusecs of water being released from Ukai Dam.

According to the government the total loss of property and business was near about Rs 21,000 crore and Surat alone suffered Rs 15,000 crore damage to its property and business. However, this year the state is not willing to take any chances in preparations.

He told Business Standard, GA Oza, Director(Relief), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority(GSDMA) said, "We are not taking any chances this time. We have started taking steps in this direction so that if any emergency arises we are prepared for it."

"As part of the preparations we have started monthly review meetings across the state at the taluk and district levels. We are constantly in touch with district collectors and are guiding them on various issues. During the monthly review meetings, district collectors prepare a monthly plan and give us a note on their requirements. Every district has a unique topography and geographical situation. Depending on that we are carrying out our plans."

"District collectors are asked to prepare a seasonal and annual plan so that we are aware of what is going on there and we can monitor the situation periodically. For their requirements we ask them to give a report based on the geographical and topographical situation. As per their needs we are buying equipment like boats, safety equipment."

"The district collectorate has to provide us a report on their requirements of support and equipment. This report is based on the geographical and topographical situations," Oza added.

Talking to Business Standard, Surat Mayor Kanu Mawani said, "We are all ready to tackle the flood situation this year if it arises. Surat authorities are constantly in contact with GSDMA and officials are being guided properly. We have carried out a drain cleaning exercise and have unblocked all the potholes. We have carried out a survey after last year's floods on which areas were most affected by the floods. Based on that survey we have set up emergency cells across the city so that immediate help can reach the spot in a short while." If the situation worsens we have prepared a list of swimmers from among the kharwas (fishermen).

"Surat administration has over 20 boats and we will buy more boats if GSDMA asks us to. Awareness programmes on disaster litigation will start soon to bring awareness among the people what to do in emergency situations," Mawani said.

It is mentionable that several textiles manufacturing units, garments manufacturing units and diamond processing units had suffered huge losses during those 15 days last year.