Team Herald
PANJIM: The North Goa District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), under the chairpersonship of Yashaswini B, IAS, Collector of North Goa, convened a meeting on Friday to assess preparedness for the upcoming seasonal hazards and to streamline coordination among various departments and agencies involved in disaster risk reduction and emergency response.
The Indian Meteorological Department has extended the Red Alert for extremely heavy rainfall till Sunday
During the meeting, representatives from the Health Department, Police, Fire Services, Public Works Department (PWD), Municipal Administration, Power and Water Supply, Directorate of Panchayats, Department of Fisheries, Water Resources Department, and other key stakeholders provided updates on their readiness. Special emphasis was placed on monsoon preparedness, flood mitigation, cyclone response planning, and early warning dissemination.
The Chairperson directed all concerned departments to enhance inter-agency coordination and ensure the uninterrupted functioning of essential services during emergencies. “Preparedness is the cornerstone of disaster resilience. All agencies must work in close synergy to ensure that our response is swift, effective, and focused on safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” Yashaswini stated.
The Collector issued necessary directives to departments for compliance and instructed all line departments and stakeholders to ensure a timely response in the event of a disaster.
She further emphasised that the trimming and cutting of dangerous trees should be undertaken on a war footing. Directions were issued to Panchayats and Municipal Administrations to implement all measures to prevent flooding in municipal areas and villages.
Instructions were also given to agencies not to accumulate debris or mud at construction sites, as this could obstruct drains or nullahs and result in mud sludge affecting residential areas.
Nodal officers from the Directorate of Panchayats, Water Resources Department (WRD), PWD (Roads), PWD (Water Supply), and Department of Electricity were directed to issue instructions to work-executing agencies to ensure that no debris is left unattended after completion of works. Appropriate measures must be taken to avoid mishaps, including the use of warning signage.
The Department of Mines and Geology was instructed to take necessary action in the event of water-logging incidents in leased and non-leased mining areas, particularly in Bicholim and Sattari talukas.
Emergency helplines activated for North and South
The State Disaster Management Authority has activated emergency contact numbers for both North and South Goa districts to ensure a swift response during crises.
The helplines will operate 24x7 through the District Emergency Operations Centre-cum-Control Room. Residents of North Goa can contact 0832-2225383 or 0832-2426578, while South Goa residents may call 0832-2794100.
Taluka-level control rooms have also been activated.
North Goa: Tiswadi: 0832-2225383; Bardez: 0832-2262210; Bicholim: 7709136535; Pernem: 0832-2201223 / 9067910323; Sattari: 0832-2374090
South Goa: Salcete: 0832-2794100; Mormugao: 8793043014; Ponda: 0832-2312121 / 8766563700; Dharbandora: 8263825335; Sanguem: 0832-2604232 / 7822069067; Quepem: 0832-2662228 / 9588427336; Canacona: 9272057863