Team Herald

PANJIM: Even after a year, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) plan awaits an approval from the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) that lists down standard operating procedure during emergencies. 

“The plan was submitted to the NDMA for approval but it was sent back seeking some modifications and reformatting. The corrections were carried out and the fresh report was sent again. We are still awaiting an approval,” said a Secretariat official. 

It is learnt that North Collector was tasked with carrying out the exercise, which was completed in time and submitted for a go-ahead. “We are hopeful to get approval soon,” said the source. 

As per the SDMA plan, two types of disasters are experienced by the State - Natural Disaster like earthquake, floods / heavy rains, cyclones, landslides, tsunami and manmade disaster like oil spill in the Sea/ / land, gas leakage, explosives, mine collapse, etc. It also states that South Goa District is comparatively safer in terms of human and property loss in disasters.

Explaining some of the details of the plan, South Collector Swapnil Naik said that the SOP including various plans for different calamities. The plan also lists resources available at government and private firms, to be used during calamities/emergencies. “The responsibilities of various departments concerned are laid down,” he added. 

While the State plan is awaiting an approval, the district DMA plans are being implemented in the respective districts with changes taking place every year. 

As per tentative details, the disasters caused in South Goa are mainly floods, landslides, accidents, fire to markets, property and crops, gas leak and cyclonic winds and tree fallings. As the problems are identifiable the solutions are easily traceable. Out of six disasters, it states, five can be avoided and loss accrued in one being cyclone can be mitigated.  

While the South witnessed one of the worst floods in Canacona in 2009, the North Goa district had not experienced any major floods in past few years, except in 2000 at Bicholim; 2005 at Mala-Panjim and Bicholim; and in 2007 again in Bicholim due to overflowing of rivulet. There were no major casualties but it caused heavy damages to the properties. 

“All preventive measures are taken and the Collectors are coordinating with the related-government departments. The join inspection teams are regularly updating the higher-ups based on which steps are being implements. There is strict monitoring of all the activities to ensure people are not inconvenienced during the monsoons,” a Secretariat official said.