AHMEDABAD: Gujarat is bracing for two days of torrential rains as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alerts for several districts.
The state government has swung into action, deploying 12 NDRF and 20 SDRF teams across the state, while urging citizens to stay safe, especially during Ganesh Visarjan celebrations and the GPSC examination scheduled for tomorrow.
Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi convened an emergency review meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), Gandhinagar on Saturday, to assess preparedness.
With heavy rainfall predicted on September 6 and 7, the IMD has sounded red alerts today for Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Aravalli, Mehsana, and Surendranagar districts. Red alert has been issued for Banaskantha, Sabarkantha, Mehsana, and Kutch for tomorrow.
Meanwhile, orange alerts have been issued in Patan, Gandhinagar, Morbi, Rajkot, and Botad.
During the high-level meeting, attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Jayanti Ravi and Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey, district collectors were directed via video conference to stay on high alert.
Joshi ordered round-the-clock presence of officials at district headquarters and directed them to monitor water levels in dams, release excess water when needed, and warn low-lying villages in advance.
With large crowds expected for Ganesh Visarjan, the Chief Secretary emphasised strict crowd management near immersion sites. “Ensure safe and smooth immersion by keeping citizens away from dangerous water bodies,” Joshi instructed, highlighting the dual challenge of heavy rains and mass gatherings.
The upcoming GPSC examination also came under focus, with orders issued to strengthen security and maintain vigilance at all exam centres.
Meanwhile, NDRF and SDRF deployment will be reinforced in red-alert districts, and an additional NDRF team has been kept on standby in Vadodara.
The review also saw coordination with multiple departments, including Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, Energy, Health, Panchayat, Urban Development, Irrigation, and Roads, to ensure readiness for any emergency situation.
So far, Gujarat has received 98% of its seasonal average rainfall, and the next 48 hours could prove crucial as authorities race to prevent floods, ensure public safety, and maintain order amid nature’s fury.