Surat: The Gujarat government has launched relief and rehabilitation operations on a war footing to restore normalcy in areas of Surat affected by heavy rains and flooding. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi held a high-level review meeting late at night with the administration, the Surat Municipal Corporation, and coordinating officials to assess the progress of relief efforts.

The Deputy Chief Minister has directed that top priority be given to water drainage, sanitation, and health services. He ordered the administration to restore normal life, markets, and business activities in the affected areas within the next 48 to 72 hours. Additionally, instructions have been issued to immediately implement comprehensive sanitation and health measures to prevent the risk of waterborne diseases and epidemics.

Harsh Sanghavi stated that door-to-door surveys of over 9,100 families in the city have been completed so far. Among them, more than 800 affected families have received assistance, comprising both household items and cash, at a rate of ₹6,800 per family, delivered directly to their homes. Separate teams have been deployed to ensure that the remaining eligible families also receive assistance by late tonight.

He added that surveys regarding damage to shops and businesses across more than 58 streets, markets, and commercial areas of the city would also be completed rapidly. A decision regarding government assistance will be taken based on these surveys. The government is proactively compiling the necessary data to ensure traders receive relief quickly, he added.

If any area or housing society has been missed during the survey due to technical reasons, a special officer-in-charge has been appointed at the Collector’s Office, and a helpline has been launched. Upon receiving a complaint, a team will be dispatched immediately to conduct the survey.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the state government, district administration, and the Surat Municipal Corporation are fully committed to relief and rehabilitation efforts, and normal life in Surat will soon be completely restored. DeshGujarat