the goan I network
PANAJI
Government has plans to set up an independent well-trained 400-men squad as a state disaster response force (SDRF) equipped with all the modern equipment.
The state in its memorandum to the 15th Finance Commission has demanded allocation of additional funds under disaster management for salaries and high-class equipment to the SDRF.
The state intends to keep this SDRF team available 24x7 to act in case of natural, chemical and other disasters.
Presently, 200-member state disaster response force has been set up with 50 personnel each from fire and emergency services, police, civil defence and home guards.
However, the personnel do not have specialised training and they are not available full time with the state disaster management authority to respond to any of the natural calamities.
As per national policy, state disaster management authority has embedded SDRF under the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services.
Goa wants that the state disaster response force should be provided with quick-response vehicles along the national highway segments.
The State also intends to procure a life detector, thermal imaging camera, video camera with accessories, 20-tonne hydraulic jack, airlifting bags with cylinders, fire proximity suit, rescue boat, inflatable motorboats, underwater communication set, underwater camera, and water torch.
The state also has plans to provide world-class facilities to tourists with medical facilities with an air ambulance or helicopter.
It may be recalled that besides centrally listed disaster and calamities, the Goa state has notified Goa-specific disasters such as heavy rains, gusty winds, thunder and lightning, flood-like waterlogging, boat capsize due to heavy rains and gusty winds, death due to drowning in flooded waters, railway accidents, aircraft accidents, landslides in mining areas.
