AERIAL VIEW
Of course, nobody can avoid or tackle nature’s fury but there is something called Disaster Management that seems to be non-existent in the State no matter how many times Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant says the disaster management team is on its toes.
Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters.
That is, to predict and—where possible—prevent them, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences. Disaster preparedness is best viewed from a broad perspective and is more appropriately conceived of as a goal, rather than as a specialised programme or stage that immediately precedes disaster response.
Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself. It requires the contributions of many different areas—ranging from training and logistics to health care to institutional development.
Editor, Goemkarponn
For years now Goa has been facing several cyclones but yet the State government has failed to learn from past mistakes.
Only last year, we faced Cyclone Tauktae which destroyed Goa’s coast but we just refuse to learn.
Harsh monsoons are not something new for Goa as being a coastal state it is bound to face the wreath of the marauding sea.
Of course, nobody can avoid or tackle nature’s fury but there is something called Disaster Management that seems to be non-existent in the State no matter how many times Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant says the disaster management team is on its toes.
Disaster preparedness refers to measures taken to prepare for and reduce the effects of disasters.
That is, to predict and—where possible—prevent them, mitigate their impact on vulnerable populations, and respond to and effectively cope with their consequences. Disaster preparedness is best viewed from a broad perspective and is more appropriately conceived of as a goal, rather than as a specialised programme or stage that immediately precedes disaster response.
Disaster preparedness is a continuous and integrated process resulting from a wide range of activities and resources rather than from a distinct sectoral activity by itself. It requires the contributions of many different areas—ranging from training and logistics to health care to institutional development.
Increasing the efficiency, effectiveness and impact of disaster emergency response mechanisms in the community.
But shockingly whenever there is a calamity in Goa the Disaster Management team is found wanting.
There seems to be absolutely no communication between the Disaster Management, the police, the municipalities or the panchayats.
The State Disaster Management teams are to be headed by either CM or the Revenue or the Chief Secretary while the District Disaster management would be headed by District Collectors.
Not only this there must be a Quick response team at every panchayat level for providing quick relief or evacuation at the time of such natural calamity.
Another issue this year is that this year being an election year there was almost no time for undertaking pre-monsoon preparations due to the code of conduct and hence most of the drains in Goa are overflowing.
Less we talk about the toads in Goa is better, the roads in entire Goa are in the worst shape despite being repaired or hot-mixed just days before elections.
It seems like applying powder on the face which runs away with the wind.
Suspending just one or two contractors would not suffice and all the officers connected with the contract must be suspended or terminated.
Hopefully, better sense prevails and the young Chief Minister learns from his mistakes and puts things in order. This is not the first time Goa is facing the red alert and surely it is not going to be the last.
