WRD to desilt rivers and PWD told to act on unsafe buildings
PANAJI
The Goa government has approved funds for local bodies to carry out pre-monsoon works across the State. Each village panchayat will get Rs 35,000, B category municipalities Rs 60,000, and A category municipalities Rs 1.1 lakh.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the approval after chairing a State Disaster Management Authority meeting at the Mantralaya on Monday to review monsoon preparedness.
The CM has asked the PWD to identify unsafe and damaged buildings across Goa and take action, including demolishing them if needed. The Water Resources Department (WRD) has been asked to desilt rivers to help prevent flooding.
“The Collectors are directed to keep vigilance and prepare systems to minimise losses due to any unforeseen situation. The contact numbers/ helpline across both the district collectorates will be released to the public for contacting during emergencies,” he said.
Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate, Chief Secretary V Candavelou, and senior officials from departments like PWD, Electricity, WRD, Fire and Emergency Services, Health, and the Indian Navy also attended the meeting.
To improve coordination during the monsoon, Sawant instructed each department to appoint a nodal officer to handle queries and emergencies. Fishermen have been told to follow the two-month fishing ban from June 1 and stay updated on weather conditions through IMD Goa.
“We are ready for monsoon...the police, fire and revenue officials, among other departments, are on their toes for the monsoon season,” he said, adding that WRD’s disaster management centres are ready for use, if needed.
