MARGAO
Despite a framework of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and regular mock drills, Goa’s fire services have flagged critical shortfalls in disaster preparedness”chief among them being a lack of heavy machinery, manpower, and the implementation of preventive measures by local bodies.
Speaking to 'The Goan', officials from the Fire and Emergency Services Department emphasised the need for prompt availability of men and machinery, including JCBs and heavy-duty cranes, during emergencies. “If these three basic things are made available quickly, it will go a long way in mitigating disasters caused by fires, cyclones, or road accidents,” a fire officer said.
Reactive approach
The officer also expressed concern over the reactive approach of stakeholders. "Preventive measures play a major role and should be prioritised. Sadly, we wait for disasters to strike before taking action,” he remarked bluntly.
“At any disaster management meeting, one may find a host of officials representing various agencies attending the meet. The fire personnel are the first respondents in attending to a disaster, be it a fire incident, cyclone, road accidents, et al,” the official added.
Stressing the need for introspection on the delay in clearing trees uprooted during the Tauktae cyclone that hit the State a couple of years ago, another fire personnel said, “The Tauktae cyclone showed that you cannot clear trees and debris with bare hands and cutters. What we need during times of emergencies is heavy machinery including JCBs and cranes to tow away the trees and open the blocked roads.”
He recalled: “During the cyclone, the fire control room was flooded with calls about uprooted trees blocking roads and damaging houses. Communications were down as roads were blocked at many places by trees for hours together. The reason being, the fire personnel were overstretched after working non-stop on the ground. A little help from heavy machinery such as JCB machines and heavy-duty cranes will go a long way in making our work easier and giving relief to the people.”
Implementation of preventive measures
Preventive measures play a major role in mitigating disasters, including fires and building collapses, with a fire personnel asserting that local bodies should focus on fire prevention measures to combat disasters.
A fire official questioned how many preventive measures have been implemented by the Margao Municipal Council post the December 26, 2023 fire incident in the congested New Market. “The fire services had sent a detailed report, besides recommendations to the MMC after the District Disaster Management Authority treated the fire incident in the New Market as a disaster. Let the municipality and the powers that be explain whether the civic body has cleared the entry and exit of the congested markets,” he said.
Another official added: “Even directions issued by the District Disaster Management Authority are being ignored by the local bodies.”
Citing a glaring example, he pointed out that the South Goa District Collector, Asvin Chandru, had in November 2023 issued directions to the Margao Municipality to raze down an unsafe building in the heart of the commercial capital. Till date, not only does the building stand tall, but it’s business as usual in the unsafe building.
Additionally, repeated directives to update the list of unsafe buildings across South Goa have gone unanswered, raising further concerns about the preparedness of civic authorities to handle future disasters.
