The Gujarat government has announced a comprehensive relief package for residents, traders, and businesses impacted by the recent heavy rainfall in Surat. The measures, estimated to cost around Rs 550 crore over three years, were approved at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. Following the torrential rain that led to flooding in Surat, the city witnessed extensive damage across residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Thousands of individuals were evacuated from low-lying areas, schools were shut, and relief operations continued for several days. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi highlighted that the government has been actively engaged in distributing cash dole and household assistance, accelerating sanitation efforts, deploying health teams, and organizing medical camps in affected localities. Around 9,000 sanitation workers have been tirelessly working to restore normalcy in the city.
The relief package includes direct financial assistance for commercial establishments affected by the flooding. Owners of damaged handcarts and pushcarts will receive Rs 7,500, while assistance ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh will be provided to different categories of affected businesses. Additionally, the government introduced an interest subsidy scheme for GST-registered traders to support them in obtaining business loans.
Eligible beneficiaries can choose between direct cash assistance and the interest subsidy scheme. Traders with GST turnover up to Rs 7.5 lakh will receive direct cash assistance of Rs one lakh. The government has also granted a one-year exemption from municipal property tax for properties that suffered flood damage, subject to verification through surveys and photographic evidence. The focus remains on aiding affected individuals in restarting their livelihoods.
Floodwaters in Surat have receded, allowing restoration work to progress. The state government is actively engaged in restoring civic services, sanitation drives, disease prevention measures, and providing financial aid to affected families.
