Team Herald
MARGAO: The first cyclone alert exercise in the State was carried out in Benaulim on Saturday which saw the involvement of a large number of fishermen, who were the focus group of the exercise.
A demo boat from the beach was evacuated by the local fishermen to a safe shelter in the morning and in the event of a cyclone, around 40 boats would have to be pushed by the local community to the safe shelter. While the cyclone alert siren did not work due to technical issues, in case of a cyclone, the siren will be activated 48 hours before the cyclone so that there is ample time for the fishermen to do the needful.
This exercise, which is part of the Disaster Management Authority, was supervised by the Deputy Collector Jyoti Kumar along with the officials from Fisheries Department, Water Resources Department (WRD) as well as lifeguards from Drishti Marine.
Benaulim Village Panchayat members were also present. As per a government scheme, the fishermen will also register themselves as volunteers who will coordinate with the government in case of a cyclone.
Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas had earlier called on the district administration to conduct this exercise given how the fishing community had suffered during the cyclone that took place last year and earlier cyclone and extreme weather conditions too.
A similar exercise has been also planned for Colva and Cavelossim.
Viegas said, “This exercise will help the fishermen know what to do in case of extreme weather conditions.”
At this exercise, the local fishermen had gathered at the prawn hatchery property that is owned by the Fisheries Department. A space that is located behind a sand dune was identified as the safe shelter given that the sand dune would offer protection from the winds.
The fishermen expressed their gratitude that such an exercise was carried out as they pointed out that when it rains heavily and there are strong winds, it is difficult at that point to try and rescue their boats, which usually get destroyed, or get timely support from the government.
