Surat Police Deploys ‘Watchful Eye’ Team Amid City Floods

Surat, Gujarat – In the wake of relentless heavy rainfall over the past two days, the diamond city of Surat has come to a standstill, with streets submerged and homes in low-lying areas inundated. As residents grapple with the chaos, Surat Police has risen to the occasion, launching a tech-powered initiative to provide real-time relief and rescue — a special surveillance team named ‘Watchful Eye’.

Operating from the CCTV control room at the Surat Police Commissioner’s Office, the Watchful Eye team is vigilantly monitoring the city through thousands of CCTV cameras strategically placed across urban zones. The team is working round-the-clock to detect flooded regions, guide traffic, and swiftly assist citizens in distress.

“We are no longer limited to traditional relief operations,” said Surat Police Commissioner Anupamsinh Gehlot, who is personally supervising the control room. “With the prediction of more heavy rainfall, we are using advanced surveillance to monitor and respond to the situation. Citizens’ safety is our top priority.”

How the ‘Watchful Eye’ Team Works:

Identifies Waterlogged Areas: The team analyzes CCTV footage to track real-time flooding and determine the severity in each location.

Public Alerting: Citizens moving toward high-risk zones are warned immediately and offered safer alternative routes.

Driving Assistance: Regular updates are provided to motorists through loudspeakers and social media, helping them navigate flooded roads safely.

Rescue Coordination: The system pinpoints areas where individuals need urgent help and dispatches rescue teams efficiently.

Commissioner Gehlot emphasized the importance of public cooperation: “If anyone finds themselves stranded due to flooding, they must not panic. Simply dial 100 or contact the nearest police station. Help will reach immediately.”

Citizens Praise Police’s Proactive Response

Local resident Nirali Mehta, whose car was stuck near Parle Point, said, “I was scared and alone. Within minutes of calling the control room, a police van came and helped me out. The CCTV alert really worked. I am grateful for this fast action.”

Another shopkeeper from Nanpura added, “Earlier, we didn’t know which road to take during flooding. But now, thanks to updates and alerts by the police, we can avoid waterlogged areas. It’s a big relief.”

A Model for Smart Policing in Disaster Response

This tech-led initiative underlines Surat Police’s forward-thinking approach to disaster management. As monsoon challenges intensify, such smart surveillance systems can serve as a model for urban disaster response across India.