Gujarat govt to provide financial relief to flood-hit traders in Valsad, Navsari

Navsari/Valsad, July 30 (AHN) The Gujarat government on Thursday announced a financial rehabilitation package for traders affected by recent heavy rains and flooding in Valsad and Navsari districts, while also ordering an immediate survey of damage to agricultural and horticultural crops to determine financial assistance for farmers.

Speaking to the media from Valsad, Government Spokesperson and Minister Jitu Vaghani said the state would extend financial assistance to affected traders, including shopkeepers, street vendors and small business owners, on the lines of the relief package announced earlier for flood-hit traders in Ahmedabad and Surat.

"Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel had directed authorities to immediately undertake a comprehensive assessment of crop losses in the affected areas," he said.

He said financial assistance to farmers would be provided in accordance with the norms and guidelines of the Central and State Governments after the damage assessment is completed.

A detailed announcement on the relief package for farmers will be made once the survey is finalised.

"The state government is committed to supporting citizens at every stage during this difficult period and ensuring timely assistance to all those affected," Vaghani said.

With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) continuing to issue Red and Orange alerts for parts of Gujarat over the next two days, the minister urged residents to strictly follow advisories issued by the administration and avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas.

According to the IMD forecast, there is a possibility of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of the state between July 31 and August 2.

Accordingly, a high alert has been declared for Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, Bharuch, Anand, Narmada, Tapi, Dang, Chhota Udepur, Panchmahal, Dahod and Mahisagar districts.

In view of the forecast of heavy rainfall, a comprehensive review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr Jayanti Ravi at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) in Gandhinagar to ensure that the administrative machinery remains fully prepared and alert.

Vaghani also commended voluntary organisations, government officials, emergency responders and citizens for their collective efforts in assisting with the ongoing flood situation.

The announcement comes as the state government continues relief and rehabilitation measures in south Gujarat following widespread flooding caused by heavy rainfall, with Valsad and Navsari among the worst-affected districts.