Tag: disaster management

National

C-DOT Wins SKOCH Award 2025 for Life-Saving Cell Broadcast Solution

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The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) has received the prestigious SKOCH Award 2025 at the 104th SKOCH Summit, recognising its impactful Cell Broadcast Solution — a technology designed to strengthen India’s disaster preparedness and emergency response systems.

The Cell Broadcast Solution is a robust disaster and emergency alerting platform that enables the delivery of life-saving information directly to mobile phones in geo-targeted areas through cellular networks. Unlike conventional messaging systems, the platform allows authorities to instantly reach millions of users without network congestion, ensuring timely alerts during natural disasters, public safety threats, and emergency situations.

By enabling real-time dissemination of critical instructions and warnings, the solution plays a vital role in minimising loss to property and saving lives. Its scalable and reliable architecture makes it a key component of India’s growing digital public safety infrastructure.

The recognition at the SKOCH Awards highlights C-DOT’s contribution to indigenous telecom innovation and its commitment to leveraging technology for social good. The award further reinforces India’s focus on using advanced digital solutions to enhance national resilience and disaster management capabilities.

Social

Goa Government Signs MoU with HITES to Modernise and Disaster-Proof Ports and Inland Waterways

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji; January 2026: The Government of Goa, through the Captain of Ports Department, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HITES (HLL Infratech Services Ltd.), a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, to enhance and future-proof the state’s maritime infrastructure.


Under the collaboration, HITES will support the modernisation and disaster-proofing of Goa’s ports and inland waterways by deploying AI-based monitoring systems and technology-driven, disaster-resilient solutions to ensure long-term structural safety, operational continuity and enhanced public safety. The partnership will focus on disaster mitigation and rehabilitation works, including strengthening jetties and waterfront infrastructure, enhancing search and rescue capabilities, inducting specialised disaster management boats, and improving oil spill preparedness and response mechanisms.
The scope of work also includes scientific dredging of rivers and channels to prevent flooding and improve water flow, construction of retaining walls and embankments to protect against erosion, installation of AI-enabled surveillance systems, and deployment of public warning and early alert systems for extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods and tidal surges. Additional initiatives include underground cabling to reduce vulnerability during disasters, development of cyclone shelters in vulnerable coastal and riverine areas, support for coastal road infrastructure for evacuation and emergency access, and strengthening emergency preparedness through AI integration across planning, monitoring and response operations.
The initiative reflects the Government of Goa’s commitment to sustainable coastal development, enhanced maritime safety and climate-adaptive infrastructure, positioning the state as a model for technology-led, disaster-resilient maritime governance aligned with national priorities and global best practices.

EduConnect

Nursing Students of Harmal Panchkrishi Visit Indian Red Cross Society Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Nursing students of Harmal Panchkrishi Shikshan Mandal’s Nursing College visited the Indian Red Cross Society, Goa Branch, where they were warmly welcomed by the General Secretary, Shri John Aguiar. The students interacted with the Red Cross team and were introduced to the impactful legacy of Jean Henry Dunant, the Swiss humanitarian and founder of the Red Cross, through an informative film.

They also viewed a film on blood donation and a detailed presentation on the Indian Red Cross Society, helping them understand the organization’s contributions to humanitarian welfare. The visit offered deep insights into the range of services carried out by the Red Cross, including disaster management, community health initiatives, and blood donation drives.

Such exposure gives nursing students a broader perspective on the roles they may play in society, extending their understanding of care beyond hospital settings to include community service, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable populations.

The group of 28 students participated with great interest and enthusiasm, making the visit both educational and inspiring.

National

Goa Fire & Emergency Services Director Nitin V. Raiker Honored with National Award for Exemplary Leadership

Tanisha Cardozo

In a proud moment for Goa, Nitin V. Raiker, Director of the Goa Fire & Emergency Services, has been awarded the Bronze Disc Medal along with a Commendation Certificate by the Government of India. This prestigious recognition honors his exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment in handling critical fire and emergency situations across the state.

Over the past years, Director Raiker has led from the front during multiple high-risk operations, saving lives and minimizing damage during disasters. Under his stewardship, Goa Fire & Emergency Services has significantly enhanced its operational efficiency, community outreach, and rapid response mechanisms.

The award is a part of the national recognitions given annually to individuals and departments who demonstrate outstanding service in public safety and disaster management. The medal and certificate will be formally conferred during the Independence Day 2025 celebrations on August 15.

Speaking on the occasion, a senior official from the Ministry of Home Affairs stated, “Mr. Raiker’s leadership has set a benchmark in emergency response, and this honor is a testament to his courage, competence, and dedication to public service.”

The recognition has been widely applauded by the local government, emergency service personnel, and citizens alike, marking it as a significant achievement for the state of Goa.

Social

Disaster Management Mock Exercise Conducted in North Goa

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A disaster management mock exercise was conducted by the Office of the District Collector of North Goa in association with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) at the Panaji Ferry Terminal Jetty. The exercise aimed to assess and enhance the disaster preparedness and response mechanisms in the region.


The mock exercise was designed to test the disaster response plans, communication systems, and coordination among various stakeholders, including the district administration, emergency services, and the NDRF. The exercise also aimed to identify gaps and vulnerabilities in the disaster management system and to develop strategies to address them.


During the exercise, various disaster scenarios were simulated, including a cyclone, flood, and fire. The response teams, including the NDRF, fire department, and ambulance services, were deployed to respond to the simulated disasters. The exercise was observed by officials from the district administration, NDRF, and other stakeholders.


The disaster management mock exercise highlighted the importance of disaster preparedness and response in the region. North Goa is prone to natural disasters, including cyclones, floods, and earthquakes. The exercise demonstrated the need for regular training and drills to ensure that the disaster response teams are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.


The disaster management mock exercise conducted in North Goa was a significant step towards enhancing disaster preparedness and response in the region. The exercise demonstrated the commitment of the district administration and the NDRF to ensure public safety and minimize the impact of disasters. Similar exercises will be conducted in the future to further strengthen disaster management capabilities in the region.