Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Despite commendable strides in disaster response training, Goa continues to face critical equipment shortages, said Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Kumar. He was addressing the valedictory ceremony of a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) training programme conducted for Goa Police personnel.
Acknowledging the state’s efforts to build capacity, the DGP stressed the importance of institutionalising disaster response mechanisms. “We have proposed the formation of a dedicated State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) unit in Goa. Currently, trained personnel return to their respective departments, which hinders coordinated action during emergencies. A permanent, well-trained, and well-equipped team will make the state more self-reliant in managing disasters,” he said.
In the past year, Goa has hosted two major NDRF-led training initiatives. The first, focusing on flood and landslide preparedness, trained over 300 personnel. The second centred on handling nuclear, chemical, and meteorological emergencies and saw participation from more than 200 individuals, including doctors from Goa Medical College (GMC).
Officials say that while training efforts have significantly improved readiness, the absence of specialized equipment and a dedicated response force continues to be a challenge, especially in the face of climate-induced natural disasters and industrial hazards.
