A meeting on ‘Disaster Preparedness in Gujarat’ took place in Gandhinagar, bringing together officials from Central and state agencies to assess readiness for natural and man-made disasters. The focus was on enhancing coordination to minimize risks and enhance emergency responses.
The event, held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC), was organized by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA). Dr. Jayanti Ravi, Revenue Department Additional Chief Secretary, chaired the meeting, emphasizing the shift in disaster management towards prevention, awareness, and long-term planning.
Dr. Ravi highlighted that disaster management in Gujarat aligns with the central government’s Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) policies and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 10-point agenda. The state’s preparedness spans from urban areas to villages, with the SEOC coordinating responses with districts and talukas during crises.
She mentioned that past experiences, along with drills, have bolstered preparedness in Gujarat, with a focus on safety measures at critical installations. Various initiatives have been launched under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Minister of State for Revenue and Disaster Management Sanjaysinh Mahida, including community training programs and infrastructure strengthening.
NDMA Secretary Manish Bhardwaj stressed the crucial role of community involvement in disaster response, advocating for widespread emergency training. He emphasized the need for rapid fire safety compliance in schools and efficient emergency response systems, especially in forest departments to prevent incidents like forest fires.
Bhardwaj also called for cities nationwide to enhance their disaster response capacities, ensuring continuity of essential services during emergencies. NDMA Member Dinesh Kumar Aswal emphasized the proactive nature of disaster management, particularly in states like Gujarat with significant industrial presence, urging scientific planning and technology utilization to mitigate risks.
Aswal highlighted the evolving risks due to climate change, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems and preparedness for new threats like urban flooding and heatwaves. He discussed the financial support allocated by the 16th Finance Commission for disaster management projects, urging effective utilization through the National Disaster Management Portal.
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials and representatives from various departments, including NDRF, SDRF, BSF, IMD, and others like animal husbandry, agriculture, fire, safety, and health.
