Piyush Goyal, Mansukh Mandaviya interact with industry leaders on preparedness for cyclone Taukate

• Integrity Education, Delhi
• 17, May 2021

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Mansukh Mandaviya interacted with industry leaders about the likely impact of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Tauktae and preparedness for facing it.
 
The meeting was called on the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. It was also attended by senior officers of Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Railways ministry, NDMA, and states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Goa and Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
 
Director General IMD informed that the cyclone is very likely to move north-north-westwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours today and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva in Bhavnagar district early morning tomorrow. It will lead to winds with the speed of over 150 kilometres per hour, heavy rainfall and high Tidal waves.
 
National Disaster Management Authority informed about their preparedness for the relief and rescue actions to be taken in the affected areas, and deployment of various NDRF teams in the region. Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways informed about their assessment of the situation and steps being taken and envisaged to deal with it in an effective and timely manner. The states’ officials informed that the situation is being closely monitored by them, and the administration is geared up to meet the exigencies. The Industry leaders gave certain suggestions, and also informed about the actions taken by them for mitigation and reducing the impact of the cyclone.
 
In the wake of Covid-19 pandemic prevalent, the issue of continuous availability of Oxygen, maintaining buffer stocks of medicines and essential items and well-being of patients in the areas likely to be affected was stressed in the meeting. Smooth functioning of Communication facilities and other utilities also came up in the meeting.
 
Mr Goyal said, the views expressed by the industry participants and the State officials show their confidence and readiness in handling such a natural calamity in an effective manner. He said, power will be the major focus area, as the same has to be switched off due to safety reasons for sometime, but should be restored quickly as per the conditions. The Minister said, there is a merit in making available satellite phones at strategic places, for better communication. He expressed satisfaction at the fact that the industry has stored emergency spares and fuel for the duration. Mr.Goyal urged all of them to keep their eyes and ears to the ground, and work in the spirit of cooperation. He said, 24 X 7 control room to monitor cyclone progress is already functioning while Intensive patrolling of assets OHE and track has begun.
 
Railways has also taken several measures to ensure uninterrupted supply of Oxygen. The Minister said, relief material should be properly channelized so that the Common man gets the relief and the unscrupulous elements are not able to take advantage. He urged all the big industries to look after their local area to support small industries, suppliers and neighbourhood industry associations.
 
Mr Mandaviya said, Coastal areas in the western India are having a lot of industries. He said, the state Governments are equipped for undertaking the relief and rescue operations, and have the experience in doing so. He, however, emphasized on pre-planning and pre-positioning so as to minimize the damage to essential equipment, cargo or people.

Sources : News on AIR