PANAJI: As Goa braces for a week of intense pre-monsoon showers with the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) extended Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall until Sunday, the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has issued strict directives to all departments to intensify monsoon preparedness and ensure public safety.
Chairing a high-level review meeting, North Goa Collector Yashaswini B, directed immediate trimming and removal of dangerous trees across the district, terming it a priority to prevent storm-related incidents. She also instructed all executing agencies and local bodies to ensure that construction debris and mud are not left unattended, warning that such negligence could lead to blocked drains, flooding, and mudslides in residential areas.
Departments were ordered to take preemptive measures to avoid any flood-like situations in both municipal and panchayat jurisdictions. Clear warning signage must be installed at all work sites, and no debris should remain at construction zones once work is completed.
The Department of Mines was specifically directed to remain alert to the risk of water logging in leased and non-leased mining areas in Bicholim and Sattari talukas, and to take appropriate action in the event of any incidents.
Nodal officers from the Public Works Department (Roads and Water Supply), Water Resources Department, Directorate of Panchayats, and Department of Electricity were instructed to issue necessary compliance directions to all subordinate agencies. The Collector emphasised that inter-agency coordination must be seamless and continuous throughout the season.
“All agencies must function in close synergy to ensure that our disaster response is not only swift and effective, but also anticipatory. Preparedness is the cornerstone of resilience,” said the Collector.
The meeting, attended by representatives from the Health Department, Police, Fire Services, Municipal Administration, and other key sectors, focused on ensuring continuity of essential services and strengthening early warning dissemination.
Meanwhile, the Goa Traffic Police have stepped up patrolling and monitoring of high-risk zones, advising motorists to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations during heavy rainfall. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also appealed to citizens to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel, further stating that control rooms have been activated in North and South Goa districts to operate round-the-clock and provide emergency assistance as needed.
