Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: With the monsoon intensifying and the risk of drowning incidents increasing across the State, the Goa Government has issued a comprehensive public safety advisory, urging citizens and tourists to avoid rivers, waterfalls, beaches, reservoirs and other water bodies during heavy rainfall and flooding.
The advisory, issued by the Revenue Department through the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), comes amid growing concerns over monsoon-related accidents and calls for strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent further loss of life.
Authorities have warned people against entering or swimming in water bodies, as well as attempting to cross flooded roads, bridges, causeways or submerged pathways, stressing that even shallow flowing water can prove fatal.
The government has directed the public to comply with warning signs, barricades, red flags and instructions issued by police, disaster management authorities and local administrations. Parents have also been urged to ensure children are never left unattended near water bodies during the rainy season.
The advisory discourages recreational activities such as swimming, boating, rafting and fishing unless specifically permitted and backed by adequate safety arrangements. Tourists have been advised to visit only notified beaches and authorised water sports facilities while strictly following directions issued by lifeguards.
People travelling by boats have been instructed to wear BIS-approved life jackets, while the consumption of alcohol before or during activities near water bodies has been strongly discouraged.
The government has further appealed to the public to avoid riverbanks, reservoirs, waterfalls and coastal areas whenever heavy rain warnings are in force and to monitor official weather updates through the Sachet, Mausam, Meghdoot and Damini mobile applications.
Citizens have been asked to dial 112 in the event of emergencies or if they notice unsafe conditions and to cooperate fully with authorities during rescue and evacuation operations.
Officials said the advisory takes immediate effect and forms part of the State’s efforts to prevent avoidable tragedies during the ongoing monsoon season.
