This was, however, not the only oversight of the authorities, who are still grappling over rescue and relief operations. Consider these facts: The Central Water Commission had alerted the administration as early as as 6:30 am on September 15. Flood waters from the Tapi began rushing into the low lying areas by 8:30 pm on the same day. Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel summoned the Air Defence Artillery (ADA) unit at 5:30 pm on September 16. By the time the air force personnel and boats from Ahmedabad arrived and started actual rescue work, they had just four hours of daylight on September 17. By 10 pm on September 17, waters had begun to recede, leaving those affected bitter and angry.

``We had recommended to the state government consecutively for the past two years that flood prone areas be identified and rescue infrastructure be made available there in advance, to enable quick assistance. This time again I will highlight this need in my action taken report,'' said General K V Jetley. Talking to Express Newsline, Jetley said they first surveyed the affected areas by air, and then met the platoons of ADA personnel. He admitted that rescue operations would have be much more effective had the administration made arrangements for infrastructure, primarily rescue boats.

Although the 200-odd defence personnel did a commendable job as far as relief work was concerned, the fact that they had to wait until Thursday evening before more boats were flown in from Ahmedabad, exposed the administration's tall claims. Added Commandant B P Singh, who oversaw the operations in the city, ``Although the civil administration did a reasonably good job in getting boats, it definitely did take some time before all the boats could be made operational. Neither were the air force personnel equipped adequately, nor did the civil administration supply motored boats when most required''.

Use of helicopters, too, came in for sharp criticism. Practically, most of the coppers used were small and incapable of carrying out relief work on a large scale.

It, however, remains to be seen as to whether the air force personnel's recommendations are implemented or ignored as before. Two main constraints lie before the state government; one, lack of funds to provide for infrastructure in advance, two lack of technical expertise to carry out rescue and relief work effectively.