In response to severe weather conditions, two teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed in Vadodara. They arrived at the city command and control centre of Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) on the evening of September 29 and will be mobilised to areas as required.
Due to the heavy rains, a holiday has been declared for all students in the VMC area on Monday, September 30. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has updated its weather bulletin to an ‘Orange alert’, indicating a high possibility of very heavy rainfall expected until 8:30 AM on Monday. This follows an earlier ‘Yellow alert’, which indicated anticipated rainfall between 64.5mm and 115.5mm.
Evacuations from low-lying areas are currently underway, with Vadodara Police issuing a statement about rising water levels of the Vishwamitri River due to the heavy rainfall. Although no rainfall was recorded in Vadodara or Panchmahal between 6 PM and 8 PM, waterlogging has been reported in various areas, particularly the Vadsar region, which is experiencing flooding.
Fire officers have been actively evacuating residents from Kansa residency, Samruddhi tenement, and Koteshwar village using boats, although there have been complaints regarding some individuals not cooperating with the evacuation efforts.
Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) has also announced a holiday for Monday in light of the ongoing monsoon situation. In a message to stakeholders, the university confirmed that all teaching and examination activities will be suspended, with new dates to be announced soon. However, all offices of faculties and colleges will remain operational, and staff are expected to report for duty.
Ravat’s Grave Allegations
Amidst the ongoing crisis, ex-Opposition leader and municipal councillor Ami Ravat has raised serious allegations regarding the handling of rescue and relief operations during the recent floods on July 24 and August 26.
Ravat claims that the efficiency of the disaster management, led by Chief Fire Officer Parth Bhrahmbhatt, has severely collapsed.
“During the recent floods, relief materials and rescue teams were mismanaged despite the staff’s commitment. Allegations include the Chief Fire Officer failing to ensure rescue boats were operational and accessible,” she alleged.
Ravat notes a personal experience where Bhrahmbhatt did not respond to emergency calls during critical situations.
Moreover, Ravat refers to a troubling incident involving firefighter Amarsinh Thakor, who claims that Bhrahmbhatt was intoxicated during a flood emergency and displayed violent behaviour towards his subordinates.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about Bhrahmbhatt’s qualifications, with Ravat demanding an inquiry into his appointment as Chief Fire Officer, citing allegations of corruption and irregularities in the issuance of Fire NOCs.
Citizens’ Urge CM
Questioning Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s presence in the regional convention organised by Laghu Udyog Bharati for the Gujarat Region in Vadodara, Social Activist Chandrika Solanki said, “Heavy rain is happening in the city and CM is here. We are really scared that a flood-like situation will again happen. Instead of organising events, do some meetings and take stock of the necessities. Nothing will happen in membership. Kindly help us and Vadodara by doing welfare.”
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