New Delhi: Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked the Gujarat government as well as State and Central Disaster Management authorities to ensure “zero casualties" and minimise the possible damage caused by the cyclonic storm Biparjoy. “Need to act swiftly on the important directions given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a review meeting chaired by him on June 12. Our aim is to ensure zero casualties and minimise the possible damage caused by the cyclonic storm Biparjoy," said Shah while chairing a crucial meeting through video conferencing to review the preparedness for Cyclone Biparjoy.
Chief Minister of Gujarat Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Parshottam Rupala, several ministers of the Government of Gujarat, MPs, MLAs, the Chief Secretary and District Magistrates virtually participated in the meeting. Union Home Secretary, Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs were also present at the meeting.
Shah said that the Centre has deployed an adequate number of NDRF teams for relief and rescue operations. “Along with this, units and assets of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have been deployed for help as per requirements,” he said. The Home Minister said that the Ministry of Home Affairs and State government's Control Room is monitoring the situation round-the-clock and all the agencies of the Government of India are prepared to deal with any emergency situation. He assured all possible help to the Government of Gujarat.
The Home Minister asked the Government of Gujarat to make arrangements to move people living in cyclone-prone places to safer places and ensure all necessary services like electricity, telecommunication, health and drinking water. He said that our preparedness should be such that in case of any damage, these services can be restored immediately. Shah directed to ensure mobile and landline connectivity and alternate arrangements for electricity in all hospitals. The Home Minister also said that the storm is expected to bring 8 to 10 mm of rain, which may cause floods in Kutch and Saurashtra.
He stressed the need to review the necessary preparations to deal with it. The Home Minister also asked to make all necessary arrangements around Somnath and Dwarka temples. He said that as per the directions given by the Prime Minister, the safety of animals and trees in Gir forest should also be ensured. Shah also asked MPs and MLAs of Gujarat to make people aware of the threat of the cyclone in their respective areas and help them.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel apprised the Home Minister of the preparedness and measures being taken by the local administration to protect the population residing in the expected path of the cyclonic storm. Patel said that fishermen have been advised not to venture out into the sea and those at sea have been called back to safe berths. A total of 21,595 boats, 27 ships and 24 large ships have been kept ready so far.
