Gandhinagar, July 30 (IANS) The Gujarat Police has activated a statewide disaster preparedness and response mechanism ahead of the forecast of heavy rainfall, with Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Singh Malik directing all city, district and range police chiefs to remain on high alert and ensure coordinated relief, rescue and evacuation measures to safeguard lives and property.
The instructions were issued during a high-level video conference chaired by the DGP on Thursday, where senior police officers from across the state were asked to strengthen preparedness in anticipation of adverse weather conditions over the next 24 to 48 hours.
According to the officials, police units have been instructed to keep flood relief and rescue equipment, including boats and other mechanical resources, fully operational and ready for immediate deployment.
Local police personnel have also been integrated into relief and rescue operations in coordination with teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
To minimise risks in vulnerable areas, the Gujarat Police, in coordination with district administrations, municipal corporations, the Forest Department, the Roads and Buildings Department and power distribution companies, has implemented a joint evacuation plan.
The plan provides for the relocation of residents and livestock from low-lying and flood-prone areas to safer locations. Traffic management measures have also been strengthened across the state.
Police personnel have been deployed on national and state highways to regulate traffic and facilitate the smooth movement of vehicles.
Authorities have arranged cranes to remove stranded vehicles where required and have identified alternative routes to maintain connectivity if roads become impassable.
The police have intensified public awareness efforts through public address systems, social media platforms and local communication networks, urging people to stay away from dilapidated buildings, electricity poles, rivers and streams during the period of heavy rainfall.
Relief centres established for evacuated residents have been equipped with food, safe drinking water and electricity. At the same time, separate arrangements have been made to provide secure shelter for women, children and senior citizens.
District control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation round the clock. They will remain in constant contact with the State Control Room in Gandhinagar to ensure coordinated decision-making and a swift response to any emergency.
To maintain uninterrupted communication during severe weather, the police will use VHF, HF and ROIP communication systems.
Personnel from the police, Home Guards, Gram Rakshak Dal (GRD), Traffic Regulation Brigade (TRB) and Fire Services have already been deployed at sensitive locations across the state.
Chairing the review meeting, DGP Gyanendra Singh Malik instructed all officers and personnel to remain on maximum alert over the next 24 to 48 hours and to take prompt preventive measures to protect both human lives and livestock in the event of heavy rainfall.
–IANS
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