Goa Conducts State-Level Mock Exercises on Cyclone and Induced Disasters Across Multiple Locations

Goa Conducts State-Level Mock Exercises on Cyclone and Induced Disasters Across Multiple Locations

Porvorim, Goa – April 26, 2025:
In a robust initiative to bolster disaster preparedness, the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), Government of Goa, in coordination with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, conducted a State-Level Mock Exercise on Cyclone and Induced Disasters across various vulnerable and strategic locations throughout Goa.

The exercise, held on April 25, 2025, was aimed at enhancing inter-agency coordination, evaluating emergency response mechanisms, and strengthening the overall disaster resilience of the state. A key highlight of the drill was the mock exercise conducted at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Vaddem, Vasco, which began at 8:00 AM.

Detailed Scenario at Goa Shipyard Limited

During the mock drill at GSL, a cyclone-induced disaster scenario was simulated where major infrastructure collapsed, and 26 workers were reported trapped under debris from shipbuilding material. The Goa Shipyard officials contacted the Control Room at the Mamlatdar Office, Mormugao, seeking urgent assistance.

Shri Pravinjay Pandit, Mamlatdar of Mormugao Taluka, was appointed as the Incident Commander for the exercise. Upon receiving the alert, he promptly activated the quick response teams, which included:

• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
• Indian Army units
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Fire and Emergency Services personnel

The coordinated efforts of these teams led to the successful rescue of all 26 trapped workers. Out of the rescued:

• 2 severely injured workers were immediately shifted via ambulance to Chicalim Sub District Hospital
• 24 others were provided first aid and medical support at a Relief Camp set up by health officials from Chicalim Hospital

The drill demonstrated the swift and seamless collaboration between various departments and agencies, validating the effectiveness of the state’s emergency protocols.

Other Locations Covered in the Statewide Exercise

Mock drills were also conducted at the following locations:

• Naquerim Betul Panchayat (New), Office of Talathi V. P. Naquerim, Betul
• Bagwada Pilgao, Bicholim
• Mahadev Temple, Salem
• Murdi Bagh, Khandepar, Ponda
• Aivao Beach, Caranzalem, Panaji
• Manohar International Airport, near CHC Casarvanem
• Morjim Beach
• Chowgule Shipyard, Office of Mamlatdar, Ponda
• KTCL Depot, Porvorim
• IOCL & HP Terminal, Vasco

The central Control Room for the exercise was established at the Conference Hall, First Floor, Mantralaya, Secretariat, Porvorim.

Key Officials Present

• Shri Sandip Jacques, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary (Revenue), Government of Goa
• Comdt. Aditya Kumar, Senior Consultant (ME and IRS-Coastal), NDMA
• Shri Pravin Hire Parab, Additional Collector
• Shri Sandeep Gawade, Under Secretary (Revenue-II)
• Several Nodal Officers, Line Department Representatives, and local authorities

Objective and Role of NDRF

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), under the NDMA, is a specialized force created for effective disaster response and relief. Established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, NDRF units are highly trained in search-and-rescue, medical first response, and crisis management during disasters like cyclones, floods, and earthquakes.

The purpose of the mock exercise was to:

• Assess readiness of state and local authorities
• Test communication and coordination protocols
• Improve response time and resource deployment
• Enhance public awareness and institutional preparedness

These mock drills are a crucial part of the national effort to build a resilient disaster response infrastructure across states.