Team Herald
MAPUSA: Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG) has demanded that the disaster management teams be trained to handle persons with disabilities.
In a letter to the North and South Goa Collectors copies of which have been sent to Chief Secretary, State Commissioner for Persons with Disability and Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, DRAG said “Section 8 of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 mandates
The persons with disabilities shall have equal protection and safety in situations of risk, armed conflict, humanitarian emergencies and natural disasters. The National Disaster Management Authority and the State Disaster Management Authority shall take appropriate measures to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities in its disaster management activities as defined under clause (e) of section 2 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 for the safety and protection of persons with disabilities. The District Disaster Management Authority constituted under Section 25 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005 shall maintain record of details of persons with disabilities in the district and take suitable measures to inform such persons of any situations of risk so as to enhance disaster preparedness. The authorities engaged in reconstruction activities subsequent to any situation of risk, armed conflict or natural disasters shall undertake such activities, in consultation with the concerned State Commissioner, in accordance with the accessibility requirements of persons with disabilities.
In view of the above, they have requested to ensure that the above provisions of the Rights of Persons with Disability Act 2016 are implemented with immediate effect and the disaster management teams are trained to handle persons with disability. We wish to bring to your notice that Goa has 33,000 persons with disabilities as per Census 2011 of which 50% are from your district. This figure does not include senior citizens, elderly and pregnant women who might have limited mobility issues.
