Tag: disaster preparedness

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Civil Defence Enrollment Drive Conducted at Goa Pharmacy College

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The Goa Home Guards and Civil Defence Organisation conducted an enrollment drive at a pharmacy college today, inviting students to join Civil Defence (CD) initiatives. The drive is part of a national effort to encourage youth participation in disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community safety.

Speaking to students, CD Warden of Panjim Division, Shri John Aguiar, explained the origins and purpose of Civil Defence. He shared that the service began as a civilian volunteer organisation in Great Britain during World War II and was officially named the Civil Defence Service (CD) in 1941. Established in India on October 24, 1941, and later formalised through the Civil Defence Act, 1968, its primary goal is to protect citizens from natural and man-made disasters, covering preparedness, response, and recovery.

Shri Aguiar emphasised that trained Civil Defence volunteers act as first responders, equipped with knowledge to ensure their own survival and help others efficiently during emergencies, potentially saving lives and mitigating disaster impacts.

The drive included registration desks and awareness sessions, with senior wardens Shri Vijay Kumar Surlikar, Shri Rupesh Parvatkar, CDVs Harsha Naik and Smriti Kothare, and Lady Home Guard Dilshad Eklaspurkar briefing students on Civil Defence units’ roles and importance for the community.

Assistant Professor Dr. Sachi Kudchadkar coordinated the programme, and Principal Dr. Gopal Krishna Rao was present to encourage student participation. The event highlighted the significance of civic responsibility and the empowerment of youth to serve as informed, prepared citizens in times of crisis.

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Goa State Disaster Management Authority Holds Special Drive in Netravali under Swayampurna Goa

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Sanguem, Goa | June 20, 2025 — In a proactive move toward enhancing community preparedness and resilience, the Goa State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) conducted a Special Drive on Disaster Management at the Netravali Village Panchayat Hall in Sanguem. The awareness and training program was held under the ambit of the flagship #SwayampurnaGoa Programme, which aims to empower Goan villages through holistic development and grassroots governance.

Empowering Communities for Resilience

The special drive was designed to sensitize local residents, panchayat members, and frontline workers on best practices in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, and emergency response. With Goa’s vulnerability to natural events such as floods, landslides, and cyclones, the initiative emphasized the importance of community-based disaster management.

Experts from GSDMA explained essential protocols for:

  • Early warning systems
  • First response during natural calamities
  • Evacuation planning
  • Basic first aid and fire safety
  • Emergency helpline coordination

Live demonstrations and interactive Q&A sessions ensured that even rural residents could engage actively and absorb critical safety information.

Community Participation Under Swayampurna Goa

The event saw enthusiastic participation from villagers, women’s self-help groups, and youth volunteers, reinforcing the core objective of #SwayampurnaGoa — making each panchayat self-reliant, informed, and resilient. Local authorities, Panchayat leaders, and representatives of the District Disaster Management Cell also lent their support to the drive.

“Disaster preparedness begins at the community level. Through initiatives like these, we aim to create a safety-first mindset and empower every Goan village to act swiftly and effectively during emergencies,” said a senior official from GSDMA.

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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.