Daijiworld Media Network - Porvorim

Porvorim, May 19: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday reviewed the state’s pre-monsoon readiness in a meeting with various agencies, including central forces, focusing on flood-prone areas.

The State Disaster Management Authority convened under CM Sawant’s chairmanship, approving financial aid of Rs 35,000 for each village panchayat, Rs 60,000 for B-category municipalities, and Rs 1,10,000 for A-category municipalities to carry out pre-monsoon works.

The South West monsoon typically arrives in the first week of June. The meeting included revenue minister Atanasio Monserrate, chief secretary, and senior officials from Public Works, Electricity, Water Resources, Fire and Emergency Services, Health, and the Indian Navy.

CM Sawant directed all departments to appoint dedicated nodal officers for swift response during the monsoon. The Public Works Department was instructed to identify and take action on dilapidated or dangerous structures, including demolitions.

The Water Resources Department was tasked with desilting rivers to reduce flood risks. District collectors were also ordered to maintain vigilance and prepare contingency plans to minimize monsoon-related losses.