Goa Government Revives High-Level Disaster Management Post Kerala Landslides

Following the deadly landslides in Kerala, the Goa government has reactivated its high-level disaster management committee, holding local revenue officials accountable for illegal hill cutting. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasized the need for vigilance while renaming the committee to the State Disaster Management Authority, promising stricter regulations and preventive measures.

In a swift response to the tragic landslides in Kerala that resulted in over 200 deaths, the Goa government has quickly reactivated its high-level disaster management committee. The committee will now hold local revenue officials responsible for reporting illegal hill cutting activities.

On Friday, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant chaired a crucial meeting involving state Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserratte and other senior officials at Porvorim. Speaking to reporters, Sawant emphasized that the state machinery has been awakened by the Wayanad landslide, leading to revived efforts to prevent similar disasters in Goa.

Goa shares the Sahyadri Hill ranges with Karnataka, Kerala, and Maharashtra, creating a complex but essential need for vigilant disaster management. Sawant announced the committee will now be known as the State Disaster Management Authority, featuring dedicated officers and heightened vigilance year-round.

The Chief Minister recalled past landslides in various regions of Goa, attributing them to heavy rains and deforestation. The committee will focus on landslide-prone areas, particularly around foothills, and will have the authority to halt dangerous hill-cutting activities immediately.

An interdepartmental approach will be enforced, involving guidelines for the forest, revenue, urban development, and several other departments to prevent construction in no-development zones and eco-sensitive areas.

Assistance will also be sought from the National Disaster Management Authority for advanced techniques like early warning systems. Meanwhile, North District Collector Sneha Gitte received a show-cause notice for administrative lapses, not inviting key officials to the meeting.