PANAJI
The State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has commenced its assessment of preparedness for the imminent monsoon season but the main challenge lies for the personnel of Fire & Emergency Services who will have to particularly tackle situations arising in Panaji given the incomplete Smart City works.
Amidst attending to numerous cases of tree falls during the entire monsoon period, there’s allegedly a risk of minor landslides and waterlogging too if the works don’t meet the deadline.
Last year, nearly one-third of the total calls were meteorological related which comprised a total of 2,742 incidents, out of overall 9,132 calls attended. Among the meteorological incidents, a significant 2,682 cases involved tree falls affecting various automobiles, commercial-residential-government-temporary structures, compound walls, electrical services, religious structures and roads.
While Panaji reported fewer tree fall incidents (105) compared to areas like Ponda (309), Curchorem (281), Pernem (235), Mapusa (230), Valpoi (227) and Bicholim (216) among others, concerns arise due to the impact of road expansion for the Smart City project, which led to root trimming, if not outright tree removal.
Sources revealed to The Goan that there’s a risk of the felling of trees whose roots have been trimmed/chopped for road expansion and development of pavements, during gusty winds. Moreover, there are fears of waterlogging in pocket areas including the St Inez-Tonca area, as drains reportedly remain uncleared.
Director of the Fire & Emergency Services Nitin Raikar confirmed readiness to handle such emergencies, stating that clearing clogged drains falls under civic or relevant agencies’ responsibility. “Mitigation measures do not come under the preview of the DFES. However, this topic of concern lies with the Water Resources Department and Municipality. The primary role of the FES is responding to related incidents,” he said.
As part of the preparedness measures, each of the 75 fire stations has been equipped with at least two multi-tasking vehicles, along with an ample complement of fire personnel. “These vehicles are primed for immediate response to any emergency, whether it’s a fire outbreak, a landslide, or incidents of tree falls,” he said.
Director elaborates on
monsoon preparedness
The District Disaster Management Authority have been informed to provide the services of professional expert tree cutters, services of Drishti lifesaving in terms of lifeguards and boats, municipal labour and requisitioning of heavy machinery such as cranes and JCB etc as per requirement.
Invariably 8-seater High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Boats with 30 HP OBM mounted on Trailer have been procured by the department and stationed at Panaji, Mapusa, Bicholim and Valpoi Fire Stations for assistance of people in distress in case flooding occurs. DFES will also utilize the assistance of the trained Community Volunteers (Aapada Mitra and Aapada Sakhi). The department has strengthened its resources in the means of men, machinery and equipment.
With regard to the removal or weakening of standing trees due to other activities, the same shall be inspected by the “Tree Authorities” constituted by the Govt of Goa for the North and South Goa Revenue district in the State.
