Fatorda: Goa Forward Party president Vijai Sardesai on Wednesday questioned the state government’s preparedness to deal with the possible impact of a Super El Nino event, alleging that the administration was focusing on publicity campaigns while ignoring a looming climate emergency.
In a post on social media platform X, Sardesai said the state government remained busy organising events, celebrations, and publicity campaigns even as warnings have been sounded about the possible impact of a Super El Nino on large parts of India, including Goa.
“The Centre has raised alarm bells that the Super El Niño could severely impact large parts of India, including Goa. For our debt-ridden state, this could mean water shortages, crop losses, forest fires, heat waves, declining groundwater levels, spikes in power demand, reduction in fish catch, and serious public health risks,” he said.
The former Deputy Chief Minister claimed that many people in Goa have witnessed heat-related medical emergencies and deaths in recent years and warned that prolonged extreme weather conditions could lead to dehydration, kidney ailments, heart attacks, and strokes, especially among senior citizens, workers, and children.
Sardesai asked the government to reveal its “Super El Nino Preparedness Plan” and urged it to immediately undertake a statewide assessment of water availability and reservoir levels.
He also sought contingency plans for drought-affected farmers, including alternative crop advisories and compensation packages, besides a heat action plan featuring public cooling centres and emergency medical response systems.
The Goa Forward leader further demanded the strengthening of forest fire surveillance and rapid response teams, measures to ensure drinking water security in vulnerable villages, and steps to protect fishermen and coastal communities from climate-related disruptions.
He said hospitals and primary health centres should be prepared to handle heat-related illnesses and dehydration cases, while groundwater conservation and rainwater harvesting initiatives should be launched before the situation worsens.
Sardesai also called for the creation of district-level disaster management cells dedicated to climate emergencies and sought a ban on mass outdoor events involving children during periods of extreme heat.
“A Super El Nino is not a political issue; it is a threat to lives, livelihoods, and Goa’s future. Governance is about anticipating crises, not reacting after disaster strikes,” he said.
