[MoC&I
Press Release/16.05.2021]
Union Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs,
and Food & Public Distribution Piyush Goyal, along with the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Mansukh Mandaviya on 16 May 2021 interacted
with the industry leaders about the likely impact of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “Tauktae” (pronounced
as Tau’Te) and
preparedness for facing the same. The meeting was called on the directions
of the Hon’ble Prime Minister. The meeting was also attended by senior officers
of Indian Meteorological Department, Ministry
of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Railways ministry, NDMA, and states of Gujarat,
Maharashtra & Goa, and UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli
and Daman and Diu.
DG, IMD informed that the “Tauktae” is very likely to move
north-north-westwards and reach Gujarat coast in the evening hours of 17th
& cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar & Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) around 18th May early
morning, which will lead to winds with the speed of over 150 km/h, heavy
rainfall and high Tidal waves. NDMA 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, & 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 that 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 that 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 that 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. Goyal urged all of them to
keep their eyes and ears to the ground, and work in the spirit of cooperation. He
said that there could be a surge effect post-cyclone,
and hence requested all to keep their eyes & ears to the ground, monitor the
situation & support the health care personnel. He also stressed that all the people who
are involved in the production of liquid medical Oxygen, Pharma industry, and all
those who make cylinders or products in the supply chain of the Pharma industry
will be given priority to come back into operation. The helplines of various authorities should be up
all the time, and respond in a
empathetic manner. He directed the Railway authorities to closely monitor the situation,
and be ready to rush the essential items to the affected areas in the shortest possible
time, and provide help in any manner. The Minister said that 24 X 7 control room to monitor cyclone progress is already functioning
while Intensive patrolling of assets (OHE & track) has begun. Railways has also taken several measures to ensure
uninterrupted supply of Oxygen. The Minister said that 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
& neighbourhood industry associations.
Mansukh Mandaviya said
that Coastal areas in the western India are having a lot of industries. He said
that 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.