The announcement by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant regarding the three-pronged strategy to prevent landslides and flooding in Goa seems the State has finally woken up to tackling these pressing issues.
With a focus on proactive measures and long-term planning, the initiatives outlined by the Chief Minister signal a positive step towards ensuring the safety and stability of vulnerable areas.
This development has come close on the heels of the extreme backlash the government faced in the just-concluded Assembly session.
The LoP Yuri Alemao, Vijai Sardesai and others strongly criticised the government over illegalities and said the State was heading towards becoming another Wayanad, where landslides killed hundreds.
AAP MLA Capt Venzy blasted Govt over illegalities and called for the cancellation of Bhutani, Abhinandan Lodha & DLF Projects.
Whereas MLA Silva exposed plotting around Chhatrapati Shivaji statue, urges ‘No Zone Change’ for property.
Goa recently has seen several landslides majorly on NH66, Ponda-Panaji national highway and at Cortalim etc.
Goa plans to avoid landslides
The first component of the strategy involves empowering the Goa Disaster Management Committee to address illegal developments.
The extension granted to the committee underscores the urgency of the situation. By preparing a stability report of villages in low-lying areas and actively engaging with local communities, the committee aims to halt ongoing illegal activities, particularly hill-cutting, in areas such as Sanguem, Canacona, and Quepem. Furthermore, the issuance of guidelines and advisories to relevant departments underscores the importance of coordinated efforts across governmental bodies to enforce regulations in the Economic Sensitive Zone, NDZ, and CRZ areas. A planned brainstorming session for department heads on landslide issues demonstrates a commitment to informed decision-making and collaboration.
The second component emphasizes the establishment of a monitoring system under the district Collector to identify and address illegalities. This proactive approach involves the active involvement of officials such as Talathis, Mamlatdars, and police inspectors in identifying and reporting unlawful activities to the Collector. Holding responsible those who fail to report illegalities underscores the seriousness with which the government views compliance with regulations. Additionally, the engagement of the National Disaster Management Committee for the implementation of an early warning system in sensitive areas emphasizes the adoption of advanced technology and expertise to enhance preparedness.
Finally, the creation of a dedicated Disaster Management Authority reflects a long-term commitment to disaster management. By appointing officers solely focused on monitoring illegal activities throughout the year, the state aims to maintain vigilance and swiftly respond to potential risks.
Dr. Pramod Sawant’s assertion that the state is “planning for the next 50 years” demonstrates an awareness of the need for sustainable strategies to prevent disasters. While acknowledging the delayed response in addressing these issues, the Chief Minister’s commitment to achieving targets with accelerated efforts showcases a sense of urgency and accountability.
It is evident that the proposed measures align closely with the goal of safeguarding the state against landslides and flooding. However, the successful implementation of these strategies will require not only the commitment of governmental bodies but also the active participation of local communities and stakeholders. Additionally, ensuring effective coordination and adherence to guidelines across departments will be instrumental in achieving the desired outcomes.
Goa’s proactive stance in addressing the threats of landslides and flooding sets a positive precedent for disaster management. By formulating a comprehensive strategy and engaging with multidisciplinary stakeholders, the state seeks to mitigate risks and protect its vulnerable regions.
The announced measures, if effectively executed, hold the potential to safeguard lives, infrastructure, and the environment, thus paving the way for a more resilient and secure future for the state of Goa.
