Warns people against entering abandoned mining pits and quarries; disaster readiness stepped up
PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday announced a blanket ban on road cutting during the monsoon, while warning the public against venturing into abandoned mining pits and stone quarries, which become hazardous during heavy rainfall.
The decision comes following a review meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority on monsoon preparedness, where the line departments outlined a series of measures to reduce the risk during the rainy season.
“No road cutting would be permitted during the monsoon period... Several abandoned mining pits have already been fenced and fitted with warning boards to prevent mishaps. However, people are urged to avoid swimming in such water-filled pits and disused quarries, because it is dangerous during the monsoon months,” he added.
The Public Works Department, in March, imposed an annual ban on road digging and allied works from May 16 to October 31.
Under the existing policy, all utility-related work was to be completed before April 30, with only limited extensions allowed in exceptional cases. The government has also designated the PWD as the sole nodal agency authorised to grant permissions for utility laying and emergency road cutting.
Officials said that once utilities are laid and hot-mixing is completed, no further digging permissions will ordinarily be issued on those stretches for five years, except under emergency conditions. Any such approval will require clearance from the PWD coordination committee.
Meanwhile, on disaster preparedness, Sawant said funds have been released to local bodies and administrative officers to strengthen ground-level response. Deputy Collectors have received Rs 5 lakh each, while panchayats and municipal bodies have also been allocated funds based on category and requirement. According to the Chief Minister, North Goa district authorities have released Rs 4 crore, South Goa Rs 3 crore and an additional Rs 2 crore has been earmarked for preparedness measures in Kushavati.
Also, emergency response systems across Goa have been upgraded, with the state reducing its average response time to nine minutes. The CM said that the government is now aiming to bring it down further to six minutes. Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated in all talukas for faster coordination during emergencies.
“The state has also intensified emergency medical arrangements ahead of the rains. Ambulances have been stationed along highways in both North and South Goa to improve response during road accidents. Four additional ambulances have also been procured under the Health Disaster Management Relief Fund,” he added.
Sawant further stated that 172 personnel have undergone disaster management training, while 400 Aapda Mitra and 70 Aapda Sakhi volunteers have been mobilised for rescue and relief operations. The volunteers will receive daily honorarium support during deployment and will be covered under insurance protection. The Health Department has been directed to conduct screening of labourers arriving from outside Goa.
