PANAJI
Continuous rains leading to rising waters and the opening of dams have created havoc in the State.
Pointing out to the severe damage that includes ruining of homes, standing crops and livestock, estimated to the tune of 832 hectares of standing crops, over 700 homes and fatalities not yet numbered, all at a time when the state is already grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic, the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has stepped forward in extending relief to the flood-affected people.
“The members at GCCI would like to express our solidarity and offer support. We look forward to collaborating with authorities to positively support relief and corrective measures moving forward, so that we may avoid this extent of damage in the future,” stated the press release issued by GCCI president Ralph De Sousa.
The support can be short term, mid-term or long term, states the release. For short term relief, the local authorities should share relevant information from affected areas with disaster relief units and ensure the transfer of relief funds to those affected in a timely manner. For mid-term relief, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) should take up re-construction of homes and damaged infrastructure of villages at the earliest, suggests GCCI.
“The loss estimation of agricultural yield, livestock should be assessed by a neutral task force that can report on damage within 45 days. While infrastructure will understandably need time to be restored, assured compensation package should be ascertained and distributed to individuals dealing with major loss “ this should cover elements including equipment replacement, re-tilling of farmland and repairs on the home and work-related structures,” says GCCI.
The body also shows a willingness to offer logistics and supply chain support where necessary to ensure that products and stores are not completely lost due to spoilage.
For receiving long term support, a task force should be set up to assess the reasons for repeated monsoon time flooding and excessive damage witnessed over the past couple of years.
“The GGCI along with partners such as NABAD, NDMA and professional environmental experts would be ideal for the task, and we strongly believe that making their report public would help educate and hold accountable all stakeholders,” says the press release.
In the immediate future, infrastructural restoration needs to be considered would include, dredging of waterways, building water highways from dams to seas, raising riverside heights where possible and as necessary and commissioning of local Disaster Management cells across all red zones. These will be made up of members able to actively monitor climatic changes and resultant impact, along with Goa’s riverfront and catchment/command areas around dams.
GCCI will be offering support through its agriculture, logistics and basic infrastructure committees to aid an audit and set up of these cells. Also, it will help restore Goa’s agriculture-based industry, ensuring it can once again become an exchequer for the State.
