High level meeting held in Gandhinagar to review the flood situation

Gandhinagar, 25 September 2013

A high level meeting chaired by senior minister shri Nitin Patel today reviewed the flood situation in the state.

Principal Secretary(Revenue) and Relief Commissioner shared the details of rain and said the south Gujarat region has received 363 mm (15 inch) rain in last four days. Excess rain in Ukai dam’s catchment area and in Surat also contributed to Tapi flood. The situation has been more difficult in Surat, Tapi, Bharuch, Navsari and Narmada. Moreover the central Gujarat region has received 200 mm(8 inch) rain because of which Vadodara and Chhota Udepur are especially facing difficult situation.

Relief Commissioner had moved NDRF teams in advance. The teams are working as per the guidance of district Collectors.

Bharuch’s Palej and Haldharva sub-stations are adversely affected due to flood water. The administration has been directed to divert the water flow and resume power supply. As of now, power has been disconnected for the reason of safety.

The situation in 15 villages of Vadodara district’s Vadodara rural, Padra, Karjan is serious. Thans to state government’s timely rescue efforts. 101 people are rescued in Karjan taluka’s Kandari village, 120 in Kherda village, 4 persons in Harsunda and 46 persons in Vadva village.

According to Relief Commissioner, in total 42,000 people are shifted to safer places. Health department teams are ready to offer their services. Enough stock of medicines is present in all government health centers.

At 5.00 pm on Wednesday, 1.25 lakh cusec water has been released from Ukai dam. River Tapi’s level will go down after which flood gates will be opened for removal of flood water in Surat city.

Surat is already witnessing massive cleaning drive. Similar drive will be held in Bharuch and other municipalities on war foot basis.

Details of tribal talukas of Chhota Udepur district were also discussed. Collectors are directed to send relief material in remote villages. PWD has been asked to build diversion where roads are not functional. Road and building department’s Secretary contacted Delhi and got approval to pause toll collection at Sardar bridge toll booth near Bharuch. This action has significantly lowered down the traffic.

The low pressure system according to weather department officer wll continue till 27th. It is moving in the direction of Kutch, north Gujarat and Saurashtra.