Staff Reporter

Margao

After setting up a disaster management committee to respond to natural calamities, the Cavelossim village panchayat on Thursday launched a special helpline number in case of emergency and to report
any disaster.

Earlier last week, the panchayat formed teams with 24 members to respond to calamities emerging from land and water, launching two dedicated vehicles and other equipment for
the cause.

Plans are also in the pipeline to add
other facilities.

Village sarpanch Dixon Vaz on Thursday said the helpline launched in the presence of panches and the disaster
management committee.

“We have launched a helpline number (8468865299) as part of the disaster management plan. Members also discussed in detail how to respond in case of emergency and to report the type of disaster to the command centre. We will also conduct a mock drill on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Cavelossim-Assolna ferry point as part of the plan,” Vaz said.