Ahead of the monsoon, the State government issued a circular towards the end of May, prohibiting swimming in waterfalls, abandoned quarries, water bodies and rivers as a matter of abundant caution against drowning deaths in these areas. Collectors of both the districts had issued circulars warning that failure to abide by the order would mean violation of section 188 of the Indian Penal Code that treats such cases as disobedience linked to danger to human life, health or safety. A few days later, the Tourism Minister appealed to tourists and locals to exercise caution while visiting potentially dangerous locations in the State and not to get inspired through social media posts about the many locales in Goa.
On Friday, the systemic loopholes lay exposed as the India Meteorological Department issued an Orange alert predicting heavy to very heavy rainfall till June 11. The irony is, despite the alert, one of Goa’s scenic tourism spots ” Dudhsagar waterfall ” continues to remain open for visitors. All activities that were given an extension due to a sluggish start to the monsoon, should have been wrapped up given the weather warning. Taking precautionary measures should have been a priority, instead of taking risks. Sheer carelessness is reflected in this case.
Meanwhile, with the monsoon knocking on Goa’s doors, disaster management comes into focus. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, after chairing a disaster management meeting last month, said that the State is prepared for the monsoon season. The CM spoke of various plans and the financial allocation to highlight the preparedness. “An early warning dissemination system is active and control rooms have been set up at district and taluka levels,” disclosed Sawant.
The question has always been on the unpreparedness of the State disaster management teams because successive monsoons cut out a sorry picture with men and machinery struggling to negotiate with nature’s fury. Inundation of roads, uprooting of trees and damage to life and property are perennial problem areas. The question is whether adequate groundwork, including a study, is done to avert a crisis.
On Friday, a portion of the concrete railing of a building near the Burye petrol pump in Mapusa collapsed injuring one person and damaging four vehicles. Fortunately, there were no casualties. This would have been catastrophic if the concrete had to land on people.
The incident brings back memories of structures that are crumbling during the monsoon across the State. Lest we forget, last July a part of the heritage building housing the Margao Urban Health Centre came down due to heavy rainfall. The incident immediately triggered a debate on auditing unsafe buildings across the capital city and elsewhere. A year later, no audit has happened, and those weak and shaky structures stand dangerously posing risks to lives.
While heavy to very heavy rainfall is predicted, Smart City work is going on full swing with a major part of the Cauculo Mall Road excavated and exposed, and several areas requiring a cover-up. The contractor is running against time with the monsoon looming, leaving a question mark over the quality of work. The fear is over Panaji facing an unprecedented flood, worse than the one witnessed in recent times.
Disaster Management need not be only about financial allocation or getting teams ready. A good deal depends on how fit the infrastructure is and whether it can hold up. Prevention is better than cure, so goes the adage. While announcing disaster management plans, authorities can’t ignore the dangers posed to life and declare a state of preparedness.
