PANAJI
Against the backdrop of the stampede at the Shirgao Zatra and an increase in weather-related disasters, the State government has taken its first step to overhaul its disaster management strategy by announcing plans to appoint a senior consultant at a monthly salary of Rs 1 lakh.
The Revenue Department has issued a formal call for applications for the high-level post, which will initially be a 12-month contract with the possibility of an annual extension.
However, the appointment comes with strict conditions that the consultant’s services can be terminated with a one-month notice from either side and poor performance could prompt early termination upon recommendations from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The decision comes amid criticism over gaps in the State’s preparedness and response to emergencies. The Shirgao Zatra incident, which claimed at least six lives in a stampede, exposed major flaws in crowd control and coordination between authorities and the temple committee. The situation was aggravated by the alleged non-cooperation from local organizers even as the government is inquiring into the alleged lapses by top officers.
Apart from the stampede, recurring rain-related incidents such as mudslides and landslides have heightened concerns over Goa’s vulnerability and the alleged limited implementation of its disaster management plans.
The newly appointed consultant will be tasked with a wide range of responsibilities, from providing technical support for drafting a Hazard Risk Vulnerability Atlas for the State to ensuring alignment of district and State disaster management plans. The role also involves coordinating mock drills, collecting and reporting disaster-related data, and assisting departments in preparing their respective disaster management blueprints.
Other responsibilities include supporting the development of a disaster database at both the state and district levels, monitoring NDMA schemes and Sendai Framework indicators, and identifying ways to integrate Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) into broader development plans.
Demanding a wide range of experience, the government has also maintained strictness over the educational qualifications mandatory for the post.
