Surat Beat

Cyclone warningThe State Flood Control Department has forecast a cyclone in the next 24 hours in the coastal areas of South Gujarat.It has s...

Cyclone warning
The State Flood Control Department has forecast a cyclone in the next 24 hours in the coastal areas of South Gujarat.

It has sounded an alert, asking fishermen not to venture out into the sea and shift their equipment to safer places. The department has said westerly winds could blow at a speed of 50 to 60 kmph. Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman are likely to experience light rains, it added.

Ban on arms
Police Commissioner Maniram, in a directive issued on Tuesday, has banned people from carrying arms, explosives, inflammable substances for a fortnight beginning Wednesday. The directive also bans holding rallies. Issued under powers given to him under the Bombay Police Act, the directive will be in force till July 8.

People have also been prohibited from burning effigies, making inflammatory speeches or indulging in any such activity which may disturb the city8217;s peace. Police personnel and those required to carry arms are, however, exempted from the ban. Those found violating the order are liable to imprisonment upto one year, the commissioner has warned.

Collector8217;s appeal
District Collector R M Shah, after a meeting held to review donations from the district towards the cyclone-affected, appealed the general public to contribute generously towards the Chief Minister8217;s Relief Fund. Each department of the district administration has been given a target to achieve. While the DSP office was allotted Rs 5 lakh target, it collected Rs 10 lakh. Donation boxes will be kept at public places for the general public to contribute.

Procession
Farmers, local leaders and women attended a procession organised by the Surat-based regional publicity office of the Central government and local administration in Vadpada village of Songadh taluka in Surat district on Tuesday. The procession was flagged off by Songadh taluka panchayat president Lilawatiben Donwala.

Contribution
An amount of Rs 1.25 lakh was collected at a meeting convened by Mandvi taluka panchayat to raise funds for the cyclone victims of Kandla and Saurashtra. Responding to taluka panchayat chief Panachandbhai Gamit8217;s appeal, villagers, members of taluka panchayat, talati-cum-mantris and members of district panchayat contributed cash and grains.