Goa CM Pramod Sawant holds SDMA meeting to review monsoon preparedness
Panaji, May 18
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a meeting of the State Disaster Management Authority on Monday to review Monsoon Preparedness 2026 in the state in the presence of senior officials, Collectors, Indian Coast Guard and Heads of Departments.
Sawant reviewed preparedness measures at the State, District and Taluka levels and ensured that all Emergency Operation Centres and Control Rooms are fully operational and will function 24x7 during the monsoon season.
During the meeting, the CM also informed about dangerous hoardings, desilting of drains and water bodies, monitoring flood & landslide-prone areas, strengthening emergency communication systems, stocking essential medicines and supplies, and ensuring readiness of rescue teams and equipment.
Sawant has directed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure that no life is lost due to any disaster. He emphasised installation of warning signboards at accident-prone zones, action against dilapidated buildings, ban on swimming in abandoned mining pits, and effective utilisation of Aapada Mitra volunteers along with NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides during emergencies.
The emergency helpline number of the State Emergency Operation Centre is 0832-2419550, while for Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) assistance, people have been directed to dial 112.
Earlier, Uttarakhand Disaster Management authorities held a high-level meeting with allied departments and district administrations to review preparedness measures ahead of the upcoming monsoon season, with officials directing departments to intensify preventive measures to minimise the impact of heavy rainfall and possible disasters.
The review meeting comes after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert for May 12 and 13 in Uttarakhand, warning of rainfall and adverse weather conditions in several parts of the state, particularly in the hilly regions.
Speaking to ANI here, Vinod Kumar Suman, Secretary for Disaster Management and Rehabilitation and Director General of the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation & Management Centre (ULMMC), said detailed instructions were issued to departments regarding monsoon preparedness."Today, a crucial meeting was convened involving the Disaster Management Department, allied departments, and all districts to discuss preparations for the monsoon season.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Every year same meetings, same announcements, same promises. But what about poor drainage in Panaji and Margao? In 2023, my colony was waterlogged for 3 days. CM should also focus on illegal constructions blocking natural water flow. Aapada Mitra volunteers are good but need proper training. 👍
Appreciate the review of dangerous hoardings and dilapidated buildings. In monsoon, those big illegal hoardings near Vasco da Gama are a death trap. Also ban on swimming in abandoned mining pits is much needed. Many tourists and locals don't realise how dangerous those are. Hope ERSS 112 works without delays.
Interesting that Uttarakhand is also preparing similarly. But our coastal state faces unique challenges - sea erosion, flooding in low-lying areas like Campal and Miramar. CM should also coordinate with Navy and Coast Guard for rescue in riverine areas. Advanced warning systems are key. Not seeing enough about flood sensors or early warning apps.
As someone who lived through the 2020 landslides in Sattari taluka, this preparedness is welcome but late. Need proactive measures, not reactive. Stocks of medicines and rescue teams are good but what about communication in remote areas where mobile networks fail? Ham radio operators could be involved. A small step but important. 👌
Glad to see mention of NCC, NSS and Scouts - our youth are amazing during disasters. But remember: infrastructure first. Desilting drains should be year-round activity, not just before monsoon. And please, remove those "dangerous hoardings" now, not when wind blows. Saw
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.