MARGAO: Based on replies given to him in the Goa Legislative Assembly, the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Yuri Alemao questioned how the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), which has only 14 employees and few computers and telephones, can handle disasters in Goa.
“I demand that the Chief Minister releases a white paper on the preparedness of Goa Disaster Management Authority to handle disasters in Goa. I also demand that the Government must release the details of employees under Goa Disaster Management Authority along with the details of number of meetings, training sessions held in last three years to face disasters in Goa,” said Alemao
“The replies given to the Goa Legislative Assembly expose the ill-equipped Goa Disaster Management Authority. Will Chief Minister Pramod Sawant explain how the Authority with only 14 Employees recruited on contract basis and few computers and telephones can handle disasters in Goa? Alemao questioned
Reacting to the meeting held by the CM with the GSDMA to review the preparations for the upcoming monsoon, Alemao quipped “God Save Goa Disaster Management Authority”.
“The replies given clearly reveal that the Authority has no trained staff. The reply further states that the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) is equipped with one desktop, one LED Screen, one landline telephone handset and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) is equipped with one dual screen PC with IP phone, one Fireball and 8Mbps Internet Lease Line for connectivity purpose,” said Alemao
“Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate has clearly stated in his reply that the Government is relying on agencies like Goa Shipyard, Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) and other private Industries for heavy equipment. The reply further mentions that to manage various disasters and calamities, equipment is being held by relevant stakeholder departments like PWD, WRD, Fire Services and Police. We have reliable information that none of these departments have proper equipment and manpower,” charged Alemao.
“How can the government rely on Goa Shipyard and MPA which themselves are highly prone to accidents and disasters? The government must have necessary equipment at strategic locations in the state for quick response,” said Alemao.
