Gujarat CM praises volunteers, media amid statewide flood relief and restoration

Gandhinagar, July 25 (AHN) The Gujarat government intensified relief and restoration efforts across several flood-affected districts on Saturday as senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders reviewed recovery operations, damaged roads were repaired, blocked highways reopened and damage assessment surveys gathered pace following days of heavy rainfall.

Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil visited the Navsari District Disaster Control Room to review operations undertaken during and after the floods.

District Collector Manish Gurwani briefed them on rescue operations coordinated by various departments, the evacuation of affected residents to safer locations, arrangements at relief shelters, the provision of food and drinking water, healthcare services, distribution of medicines, disease prevention measures and continuous monitoring of the situation.

Officials said that, with floodwaters receding from low-lying areas, the administration had accelerated surveys to assess damage to crops, houses, public property and other losses in accordance with state government guidelines so that eligible affected residents could receive relief assistance at the earliest.

Restoration work, including cleaning operations, spraying of disinfectants, health surveillance and the repair of roads and electricity infrastructure, is also under way to restore normal public life.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, in a post on social media platform X, acknowledged the role played by volunteers, charitable organisations and community leaders in supporting government agencies during the emergency.

"In the situation that has arisen due to heavy rainfall in various districts of Gujarat, volunteers, charitable organisations and community leaders have joined hands shoulder to shoulder with the government machinery in carrying out relief and rescue operations. The spirit of service shown by all of you is exemplary and deserves appreciation," Chief Minister Patel said.

The Chief Minister also praised journalists for their role during the crisis.

"In the situation caused by heavy rainfall in Gujarat, media personnel are playing an outstanding role in helping citizens avoid hardship by providing timely and accurate information. During this time of crisis, media personnel have also joined the government in serving the public. I commend the positive work being carried out by media personnel. Along with discharging your duties, please also take care of yourselves," he said.

In Tapi district, the approach road and causeway at Dhangdhar in Dolvan taluka, which had been damaged by heavy rainfall and floodwaters, was restored within a few hours.

The Roads and Buildings (R&B) Panchayat Department deployed JCB machinery, personnel and construction materials on an emergency basis to repair the washed-out section, allowing the road to be safely reopened for motorists and pedestrians.

In Morbi district, however, one side of the causeway on the Mayurnagar-Raysangpar road in Halvad taluka was washed away after water was released from the Brahmani-2 Dam.

Authorities immediately closed the road to all vehicular traffic as a precaution, prioritising public safety. Elsewhere, the Surendranagar district administration restored traffic on the Surendranagar-Dhrangadhra Highway after removing a stranded trailer that had obstructed the route.

Officials advised heavy vehicles to follow traffic management instructions and requested smaller vehicles to use the Sitapur-Prathugadh road as an alternative route.

In Jamnagar district, a tree that had fallen across the Dhrol-Latipur-Tankara State Highway was removed by the Jamjodhpur Sub-Division, allowing traffic to resume.

Authorities said efforts were continuing to minimise disruption to transport during the monsoon.

In Dang district, the Roads and Buildings Department cleared landslides and road blockages caused by heavy rainfall within hours.

The department said 10 emergency teams, 12 JCB machines, five tractors and more than 150 workers were operating round the clock to restore connectivity.

It also advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel and exercise caution during periods of heavy rain.

Meanwhile, Gandevi Municipality in Navsari district has begun a cash dole survey in affected areas.

Special municipal teams are conducting door-to-door data collection, and officials said financial assistance would be distributed to eligible beneficiaries in accordance with the prescribed rules once the survey is completed.