Gandhinagar, July 31 (IANS) Authorities in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar have removed more than 200 large banners, hoardings and demolished unsafe advertising structures as part of precautionary measures ahead of the heavy rain and strong wind forecast, while all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres across the district will remain closed on August 1.
The Gandhinagar Municipal Corporation said teams carried out an extensive survey across the city after the India Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in Gandhinagar and surrounding areas.
As part of the exercise, more than 200 large and potentially hazardous banners were safely removed to reduce the risk of wind-related accidents.
The civic body also launched action against illegal and unsafe hoarding structures.
Hoardings found to be in a dilapidated condition or erected without official permission were identified during inspections, and the unauthorised iron structures were demolished using machinery.
The drive has focused on major roads, city entry points and other busy locations to minimise the risk of injury or damage if structures collapse during adverse weather.
“It remains prepared to respond to any emergency during the monsoon and that the campaign to remove hazardous hoardings will continue over the coming days,” the civic body said.
Advertising agencies and private property owners have been urged to remove dangerous boards and structures on their own.
Citizens have also been advised to remain in safe places during heavy rainfall and to report any hazardous hoardings or dangerous trees to the Municipal Corporation’s toll-free control room.
In view of the weather forecast, the district administration has also declared a holiday on August 1 for all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres across Gandhinagar district.
The district health department has simultaneously placed its emergency response system on alert.
A total of 44 Rapid Response Teams, including 40 teams stationed at Primary Health Centres and one team in each taluka, have been deployed and equipped with ambulances, essential medicines and emergency supplies to provide round-the-clock assistance if required.
In addition, 174 field teams have been conducting continuous surveillance, health screening and preventive public health measures across the district.
The teams are carrying out chlorination of drinking water sources, spraying medicines to reduce the risk of disease outbreaks and distributing essential medicines where needed.
The health department has also made special arrangements for pregnant women whose deliveries are expected this week.
Officials said they are maintaining continuous contact with expectant mothers and have prepared advance plans to ensure they can be safely transported to healthcare facilities despite any disruption caused by heavy rainfall.
The district health department has appealed to residents not to believe rumours, to drink boiled water and to contact the nearest Primary Health Centre in the event of any health-related emergency.
–IANS
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