PORVORIM: Despite so many red alerts and severe damage caused due to heavy rains and floods this monsoon, Revenue Minister Atanasio Monserrate has declared that the Disaster Management Authority is a postman and has no funds. The question came up during question hour when Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar said that 8 landslides had occurred in his constituency in the last two years and no walls were built.
Monserrate said the PWD or WRD had to carry out the repairs. The Authority only prepares reports, he contended. He said the money from Centre and state was only used to buy equipment. If he want walls to be built he should approached the PWD, Monserrate said.
Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said that if the PWD builds it will take a long time by the time the tender. He warned that more disaster will be forthcoming with climate change and global warming, so Disaster Management Authority has to gear up for this. Can this be fast tracked? How will relief be given? he questioned.