Panaji will soon be a smart city, says Sidharth
It has been four months since Sidharth Kuncalienkar was elected as the Panaji MLA. In a chat with The Goan, the MLA speaks about his works in the constituency
Q: What are your plans for Panaji?
Sidharth: I am working for development of Panaji as outlined in my manifesto. With regard to parking, there are many abandoned vehicles, which occupy space on some of the streets. The deputy collector has already issued orders to auction these. Once this is done, it will clear lot of space. Also, once the monsoons are over, all roads will be tarred and some of the streets will be converted into pay parking zones.On our request, the military hospital in Campal has been opened for general public for emergency and trauma services.
Q: So, what about implementing Imagine Panaji, the holistic master plan which was prepared by LKS India?
Sidharth: We are doing it but not entirely. The recommendations by the company are good. But while implementing it, we will take a conscious call. We might first go for widening of St Inez road.
Q: The Corporation of City of Panaji and State Government are moving in one direction. So that should make your task easier.
Sidharth: Yes. We are thinking and working in the same direction. There are different projects in the pipeline. The mayor as well as the corporators, are for development. We are exploring the option of converting the 2STC military land into a parking area. The CCP has forwarded the request to the government. Additionally, we are working towards making Panaji one of the ten smart cities in the country.
Q: How do you plan to tackle the garbage issue and the waste treatment plant at Bainguinim?
Sidharth: NGT has halted the work of the garbage segregation plant behind Heera petrol pump in Panaji. With regard to Bainguinim plant, we have already erected a compound wall. Also, some funds have been sanctioned by the State. Till then, the garbage treatment plant coming up at Calangute should be able to tackle the problem of Panaji on a temporary basis.
Q: The Archdiocese Board of Education called a meeting of Catholic MLAs to discuss issues with regard to diocesan schools. Comment.
Sidharth: Even if educational institutions are run by any minority community, education is for everybody. There are even Hindu students studying in Diocesan schools. Institutions should not lobby with any group.
Q: How will you tackle issues like beef ban, attacks on churches in other States that affect the minority community?
Sidharth: Panaji has voters from all communities and this is the sixth time BJP has won this seat. With regard to beef ban, we will take decision as per our requirements. BJP is sensitive to the issues faced by minority community. This year, we spent Rs 50 crores on the Exposition of St Francis Xavier. If we had no intention of doing it, we would have blocked it. I don’t think there is any problem in Panaji.
Q: Any other plans for Panaji?
Sidharth: Once we get the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme guidelines framed, we will start our work. But my request is people should look at the holistic view of each project. Instead of approaching courts to settle issues, they should decide what is good.
