PANAJI
Every time disaster strikes Goa, we find our government totally unprepared, be it the Covid pandemic or cyclone. In fact, the recent Cyclone Tauktae exposed the disastrous state of affairs in Goa govt’s disaster management.
Crisis management is a marker of a government’s efficiency and sadly our state government has failed on all counts. Damage prevention was absolutely nonexistent in the state despite early warnings. The devastation of cyclone was followed by chaotic and unplanned restoration measures with the government machinery flailing like a headless snake, says Porvorim MLA Rohan Khaunte in a press release..
Our electricity and fire force gallantly took up the challenge amidst lack of administrative support and it’s only due to their selfless efforts through heavy rains and difficult conditions that Goa started slowly limping back to normalcy at least after 4 days of the cyclone. A permanent disaster management strategy is needed immediately which will work irrespective of people changes. The system should be self-sufficient with clear protocols to tackle any emergencies, says Khaunte.
Infrastructural facilities for disaster relief should be made available at municipal & panchayat levels. Specific attention should be devoted to preventive and damage reducing activities in high risk areas. Social media channels should be utilised to convey timely instructions and status reports to public in times of calamities, Khaunte adds.
The State Disaster Management Authority headed by CM with Revenue Minister as Vice-Chairman totally failed to serve their purpose in taking preventive measures despite early warnings, he said.
It is expected of Goa govt to take stock of its fallacies and firm up a robust disaster management system in the state to handle calamities more effectively by reducing impacts as well as implementation of quick response Infra & teams to alleviate sufferings after calamities, Khaunte concludes.
