PANJIM: Various disaster management authorities conducted a mock drill along the coast. Herald Media asked people, “Although we are preparing for natural disasters, can anyone save Panjim from Smart City man made disaster?”
While the government must be appreciated for its natural disaster management drills, on the other side officials who are incharge of the Smart City project in Panjim are working overtime to see that they carve out potholes, ditches, that are going to put every pedestrian, two wheeler riders and motorists life into danger. With this a clear possibility today, the health minister should take note of this and prepare two extra wards in the Goa Medical College that will deal with casualties, especially of orthopaedic nature.
Trajano D’Mello, Political Commentator
Whether the government can prepare itself for natural disasters which may come in the near future, is a far off dream. Just below their nose is a manmade disaster which they are unable to handle till today and the completion dates are being postponed. It is gone beyond their control. Primary reason is the corruption, secondly there is nobody who has the authority to get the work done properly. It is only because there is a inbuilt solution –You don’t scratch my back, I don’t scratch your back.
Anthony D’Silva, Social Activist
I think a fullfledged disaster management team may have to take care of the Smart city this monsoon with whatever equipment they have. They will have to be on standby. The way the over smart city works are progressing, the slabs put today, cave in tomorrow. Water is overflowing from the gutters. We don’t know if this is sewage water or potable water. However, there is no noise from the Panjim people or businessmen. However, just as the KTC is purchasing buses, this monsoon they will have to purchase boats since residents will not be able to move in Panjim with their two and four wheelers.
Mariano Ferrao, Social Activist