This refers to 'Statewide mock drill held to review cyclone preparedness' and 'WRD accused of damaging mangroves in Talpona river' (The Goan Everyday, April 26). Conducting a mock drill to review cyclone preparedness is all very well, yes, as it reveals strengths and gaps in disaster planning. What next? Are they going to work on the lessons after the mock drill?
Now, the more important issue, how about prevention? It is said ‘prevention is better than cure’. How about preventing such incidents from occurring? Think, don't such incidents occur because we are destroying Nature? Then we need to change our ways.
Just below this news item, was another news report which says mangroves are being damaged in Talpona river on account of the retaining wall being built on the banks of the river.
The authorities need to review all aspects before undertaking such projects. Let's all of us stop playing with Nature. As I've said before, we cannot get away with our actions, Nature will strike back at will and all our preparedness and mock drills would be a completely useless exercise.
