Gandhinagar, July 7 (IANS) With forecasts indicating the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall in parts of Gujarat over the coming days, the state government on Tuesday reviewed its monsoon preparedness at a high-level meeting of the Weather Watch Group, with officials assessing emergency response plans and inter-departmental coordination to minimise the impact of any weather-related incidents.

The meeting was held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of Relief Commissioner Subhash Savaliya.

It focused on the state’s preparedness to deal with potential monsoon-related emergencies, with the administration reiterating its objective of achieving “zero casualties” during the rainy season.

Savaliya directed all departments to maintain close coordination and immediately inform the State Emergency Operation Centre’s control room in the event of any emergency.

“The state government was continuously monitoring the evolving weather situation and taking necessary measures in line with forecasts issued by the India Meteorological Department,” he said.

During the meeting, officials from the Meteorological Department presented satellite imagery and weather forecasts identifying the regions that could receive heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days.

The Water Resources and Irrigation Department briefed participants on the current water levels in reservoirs and dams across the state and outlined advance planning for regulated water releases, along with the alert mechanisms to be activated if reservoirs approach overflow levels.

Officials from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) provided details of the deployment of their teams and the readiness of rescue equipment to ensure a prompt response in the event of floods or other monsoon-related emergencies.

The Roads and Buildings Department and the Energy Department also presented their contingency plans, including arrangements for alternative routes if roads are closed due to heavy rainfall and measures to restore electricity supply within hours in the event of weather-related disruptions.

Senior officials from the Meteorological Department, NDRF, SDRF, Roads and Buildings Department, Water Resources Department, Irrigation Department, Health Department, Forest Department, Energy Department, Agriculture Department and other concerned departments attended the meeting to review the state’s coordinated response strategy ahead of the anticipated spell of rainfall.

–IANS

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