1. Gujarat Receives 86% of Seasonal Rains, 40 Reservoirs Filled
Despite warnings of heavy rains on Independence Day and day after, most regions in the state saw average rainfall on Friday, 16 August, as around 193 talukas received showers.
The highest rainfall recorded was 77 mm in Harij taluka of Patan, followed by 51 mm rainfall in Vagra area of Bharuch. The Indian Meteorological Department, however, has warned that North Gujarat will continue getting rains in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the government claimed that it has so far distributed Rs 10 crore worth of help to 2.27 lakh people affected due to heavy rains and floods in the state. It also further added that over 32,000 families have been extended help to buy household items.
Despite a break from the rains, around 45 roads continue to be out of bounds for vehicles. Out of these 45 roads, three are state highways while the rest are city roads.
(Source: DNA)
Also Read: Death Toll in Maha Floods Reaches 54, Fresh Rains Expected in MP
2. Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka Districts Face Heavy Rainfall Deficit
While most of Saurashtra experienced very heavy rainfall last week and quelled worries of another poor monsoon in the water-starved region, Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts are still running a significant rain deficit.
Farmers are concerned about the shortage of irrigation water in these two districts, even as monsoon is at its peak.
As of Friday, 16 August Porbandar district had received 333 mm (13 inch) of rainfall, according to data compiled by Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority, making for only 48.35 percent of the 689 mm (28 inch) long-term average rainfall in the district.
Notably, Ranavav – one of the three talukas of the district – has received only 324 mm rainfall, which amounts to 45.17 percent of the ten-year average. Kutiyana taluka has received 51.35 percent of its average rainfall, while Porbandar taluka has logged 48.58 percent so far.
(Source: Indian Express)
Also Read: Jharkhand stares at drought with 40% rainfall deficit
3. PM Modi, Amit Shah Fulfilled Poorna Swaraj, Says Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani
Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Independence Day credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah with making this Independence Day a historic one for the entire nation, with the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35 A in Jammu and Kashmir, He was at a function celebrating the nation’s 73rd Independence Day, in Chhota Udepur on Thursday, 15 August.
“The dream of Swaraj was accomplished by the two sons of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. Similarly, two other sons from the state, PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have fulfilled the dream of ‘Poorna Swaraj’ again,” he said.
“The special status had fueled separatism in the state (Jammu and Kashmir) and for seven decades, terrorism was supported and encouraged. As a result, 41,000 innocent lives were lost and Kashmir was deprived of development,” he added.
(Source: Indian Express)
Also Read: Kashmir: How Govt Gathered Massive Data Before Article 370 Move
4. 5,100 Primary Schools With Poor Enrolment Record to Be Merged
Citing poor functioning, monitoring and non-viability, the state education department, under its ‘school consolidation plan’, decided to merge the government primary schools with poor enrolment record with schools located within one-kilometre radius.
The process will be conducted in a phased manner where to initiate with, some 2,500-3,000 government primary schools will be merged with other government schools, likely next month.
(Source: Indian Express)
Also Read: Suggestions on draft education policy now till Aug 15
5. Sabarmati Riverfront Project: Opposition Alleges Graft
Opposition Congress party on Friday, 16 August, pointed out to a mismatch of Rs 69.31 crore in the accounts of Sabarmati Riverfront Development Company Ltd. It also said that the issue will be raised with the Chief Vigilance Commissioner to investigate, as there is a likelihood of scam.
Talking to media persons on Friday, Leader of the Opposition in Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Dinesh Sharma said that an internal audit report of the company has highlighted a mismatch of over Rs 69.31 crore in the accounts of the company.
“We will soon represent the matter to the Chief Vigilance Commissioner so that an investigation is carried out,” said Sharma. He further added that officials of AMC are running the company than how is it possible that such irregularity does not come to their notice.
(Source: DNA)