How Gujarat’s 24×7 State Emergency Operations Centre Protects Citizens During Disasters

Gandhinagar: Disasters never come with prior warning. Whenever a natural calamity or any unforeseen emergency strikes Gujarat, a dedicated system immediately swings into action. Within minutes, it mobilises the entire administrative machinery and works round the clock to ensure the safety of citizens. This invisible yet powerful shield of protection is the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) functioning in Gandhinagar.

The devastating Kutch earthquake of 2001 taught Gujarat valuable lessons in disaster management. Building on that experience and using modern technology, the Government of Gujarat has developed a strong disaster management system. At the centre of this system is the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), which functions 24×7 as the Central Command and Control Hub during natural and man-made disasters, including earthquakes, cyclones, and heavy rainfall. Through real-time coordination, timely alerts, and quick relief and rescue operations, it helps ensure the safety of citizens across the state.

Maintaining communication during emergencies is one of the biggest challenges. To address this, the SEOC uses multiple communication channels, including GSWAN hotline, satellite phones, landlines, email, WhatsApp, and social media. During the monsoon season, it also makes special use of police wireless sets and Ham Radio as alternative communication systems.

In addition, the advanced “Sachet Portal” has been developed to provide timely alerts to citizens. Through this portal, mass SMS alerts are sent to people in affected areas. So far, more than 286.4 crore SMS alerts have been sent through this system. Moreover, the Centre has successfully safeguarded citizens through access to more than 6 crore mobile app users and over 5.3 lakh web browser users.

This Centre, functioning under Gujarat’s disaster management framework, is not an ordinary control room. It is a well-structured system developed to ensure seamless coordination across the state, district, and taluka levels through an advanced network. At present, 33 District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs), five Emergency Response Centres, and 248 Taluka Emergency Operations Centres are functioning continuously. With the support of Gujarat State Wide Area Network (GSWAN) connectivity and a well-established 24×7 monitoring mechanism, the Centre ensures disaster preparedness before emergencies and enables rapid response during disasters. All these centres function continuously under the guidance of the Relief Commissioner and the supervision of the Director of Relief.

To enable every citizen to receive immediate assistance during emergencies, dedicated 24-hour helpline numbers have been made available. Any citizen of the state can seek help by contacting the state-level helpline numbers 51900 or 1070, and the district-level toll-free helpline number 1077. The Government of Gujarat’s well-equipped State Emergency Operations Centre stands as a strong shield of protection for citizens against every disaster.

Coordination with Expert Agencies Based on the Nature of the Disaster

Depending on the nature and severity of a disaster, the SEOC maintains close coordination with specialised technical agencies. During earthquakes or seismic activities, it coordinates with the Institute of Seismological Research (ISR). During floods and cyclones, it works in real time with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the Irrigation Department, and ISRO. In the event of a possible tsunami, coordinated operations are carried out with the IMD, INCOIS, and ISR.

Seventeen NDRF Teams Kept Ready at All Times

In addition, for drought and heatwave situations, coordination is maintained with the Agriculture Department; for epidemic control, with the Health and Family Welfare Department; for chemical accidents, with the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) and the Labour and Employment Department; and for fire incidents, with the Fire and Emergency Services. Simultaneously, to ensure swift relief and rescue operations, 17 teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 32 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are kept on standby. Whenever required, assistance from the Army, Air Force, and Navy is also mobilised. DeshGujarat