Navsari, July 30 (IANS) The Gujarat government has directed officials to complete damage assessment surveys in flood-hit villages of Navsari district in a transparent, accurate and time-bound manner, with Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani stating that prompt assistance to affected families remains the state government’s highest priority.
Vaghani visited the flood-affected villages of Sonwadi, Salej and Gadat in Gandevi taluka on Thursday to assess the impact of the recent spell of incessant and heavy rainfall that affected parts of Navsari district.
Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel accompanied him during the visit.
The ministers met affected residents and farmers, inspected the situation on the ground and reviewed the extent of damage to houses, orchards, crops and livestock.
They also sought direct feedback from villagers on the relief measures being provided by the government and the progress of damage assessment surveys.
District Collector Manish Gurwani briefed the ministers on the relief, rescue and rehabilitation operations undertaken by the district administration following the heavy rainfall.
He also presented an update on the ongoing surveys being conducted to assess losses suffered by affected residents.
The Agriculture Minister subsequently chaired a review meeting with senior officials from the concerned departments to assess the progress of the survey exercise.
During the meeting, Vaghani instructed officials to ensure that surveys covering damage to houses, crops and livestock in every affected village are carried out in a “completely transparent, accurate and time-bound manner”.
He directed the administration to work with full commitment so that “every affected person receives the assistance due under the State Government’s norms promptly and without delay”.
He said, “Providing prompt and appropriate assistance to the affected is the highest priority of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s government.”
Navsari MLA Rakesh Desai, District Panchayat President Nirali Nayak, senior district administration officials, local representatives, villagers and community leaders were present during the visit.
–IANS
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