PANAJI
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has set up an Emergency Response Team (ERT) with necessary equipment, in a bid to be self-reliant during disaster-like situations.
The CCP has purchased equipment like a 22-inch chainsaw on par with that of the fire department, mobile generators with emergency lighting facility and a new mobile dewatering pump at a combined cost of about Rs 1.75 lakh.
“We had to face difficulties during the recent cyclone, which uprooted a lot of trees. Every time we have had to rely on fire department personnel to cut large uprooted trees. Now, we will have our own equipment and a well-trained team to tackle such situations,” said CCP Deputy Mayor Vasant Agashikar.
He said the chainsaw has the capacity to cut a large tree within minutes.
Agashikar said the CCP had recently conducted a session for its personnel to train them in using the machinery and demonstration of the machinery was also conducted.
“We have kept a trained and dedicated team to handle an emergency situation,” said Agashikar.
Agashikar also informed that due to high tide and heavy rains, water would enter shops and houses in low-lying areas of the city every year.
“To counter such a situation, the CCP has procured a mobile 10HP dewatering pump. It will be used to pump out the water from houses and shops which are flooded,” Agashikar said.
