Team Goemkarponn
PORVORIM:Goa, being a coastal state, is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters such as cyclones, floods, heavy rainfall, cloudbursts, and landslides.
Addressing this, Sandip Jacques, IAS, Commissioner Cum Secretary (Revenue) and Chairman of the State Disaster Management Authority, stressed the importance of advance disaster preparedness during a State-Level Tabletop Exercise held today.
The event, organized by the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, took place at Mantralaya, Porvorim.
Jacques emphasized that given Goa’s susceptibility to various natural hazards, a proactive, holistic, and integrated approach is essential for effective Disaster Risk Reduction.
He stated, “It is crucial to strengthen disaster preparedness, mitigation, and emergency response.” He further highlighted that the government cannot shoulder this responsibility alone, urging the participation of the public in disaster management.
“The involvement of communities, including NGOs, local self-bodies, and government departments, is vital for ensuring the safety of human lives and property,” he added.
During the exercise, Senior Consultant (ME&IRS-Coastal) at NDMA, Comdt Aditya Kumar (Retd), guided the participants and stressed the importance of fulfilling their roles effectively in disaster preparedness and response. Representatives from various line departments, including the North Goa and South Goa Collectorates, as well as authorities from CISF, Coast Guard, and MPT, presented their roles and responsibilities in disaster management through PowerPoint presentations.
The exercise underscored the need for coordinated efforts among all stakeholders in disaster preparedness and response to ensure a timely and effective reaction to potential calamities.
