Mumbai:
Union Minister of State for Human Resources Development Shashi Tharoor told reporters in Mumbai on Tuesday, "When we saw the horrors in Uttarakhand, it was a reminder that one of the problems we face in our country is we were far better at buying coffins than at actually finding preventive medications. We could prevent more disasters by better preparedness but we are always there after the tragedy. Having said that, you have seen in Orissa with Cyclone Phailin that indeed prevention can happen if there is enough thought and application given to it."
Mr Tharoor's comments came after he was asked about the security preparedness following the 26/11 attacks. He mentioned he was shocked when he discovered that the national disaster management authority had pending requests for state government's to submit plans for disaster management which never had been done.
However the Commissioner of Police says while there are teething problems, the city is safe and secure and the police are prepared for any eventuality.
Questions have been raised about the state's preparedness to thwart attacks like the one that took place on November 26, 2008. An ambitious CCTV footage plan is stuck in red tape while expensive equipment like modern patrolling boats are gathering dust. There are still not enough bullet proof jackets for the police force.
Mr Tharoor, accompanied by his wife Sunanda, spent the entire day in the city. In the morning he attended a memorial for the martyrs of 26/11. Following that he addressed a gathering of students. He then attended a memorial organised by the Indian Merchants Chamber where he had an interaction with the press.
The minister also delivered a speech at another memorial at Mumbai's Gateway if India where the famous Shillong Chamber Choir performed.