Gujarat Rains: Directions to on damages in highways


Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has reportedly directed the Road Construction Department to address the damage to highways caused by heavy rains in the state with utmost urgency. According to an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), repair work is being carried out on a war footing in areas such as Vadodara-Vapi, Rajkot-Jetpur, Chiloda-Himatnagar, and other affected roads.

The Chief Minister, in a post on X, indicated that following the relief and rescue operations necessitated by the heavy rains, the government has been focused on restoring the highways to a passable condition. He mentioned that the necessary instructions had been given to ensure swift action, with Chief Engineers managing these operations from Gandhinagar under the guidance of Secretaries. Local collectors, in-charge ministers, and secretaries, in coordination with the department, are reportedly reviewing the ongoing operations across all talukas.

It was stated that the repair work is being undertaken by the National Highways Authority of India in collaboration with the state government. Teams working on the ground have been instructed to expedite the repairs, while Chief Engineers in Gandhinagar continue to oversee the efforts under the Secretaries' guidance. The statement also mentioned that permanent repairs would be carried out after the necessary excavation work.

According to the statement, a total of 466 teams, comprising approximately 6,487 workers, have been deployed for the repair work. Where structures have collapsed, immediate diversions have been implemented to restore traffic flow, with traffic being rerouted to alternative roads and advisory boards being installed for the same. Additionally, workers on-site have been instructed to wear safety jackets and place warning signs indicating that work is in progress.

Earlier, on Friday, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited Devbhumi Dwarka district to review relief efforts following heavy rainfall. A review meeting was reportedly held at the Dwarka Collector's office with Chief Secretary Raj Kumar, where the Chief Minister received detailed updates on the damages, evacuations, and rescue operations in the district. The Chief Minister was briefed on the extent of the damage in Devbhumi Dwarka district, which included damage to homes, loss of livestock, and human casualties. Reports indicated that eight houses and huts were damaged, 25 animals were lost, one person had died, and two others were injured. Following a request from the Gujarat government, six columns of the Indian Army were deployed to conduct rescue operations in the most severely affected areas, as flood-like conditions persisted in parts of the state due to relentless rainfall. The Army's assistance was sought to support the ongoing relief efforts.The Gujarat government had earlier requested the Army's assistance for urgent relief operations across several flood-affected districts. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) had also rescued 95 people during the ongoing crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had reportedly had a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, assuring him of all possible support and assistance from the Central government.

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