Not a single road in Panaji, excluding the DB Marg, has escaped the digging work in the name of Smart City. The original structure of the roads is lying in shambles.
The entire city has been taken to ransom by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL). The main entrances of nearly every house/building as well as commercial establishments are blocked; vehicular movement has slowed down, adding to the traffic chaos and heavy equipment excavating the roads has become a leading source of noise pollution. Uncontrolled dust pollution is also among a host of problems in Panaji. Nothing seems to affect the authorities in ensuring expeditious and safe handling of the work.
The ‘falling’ tankers and a laterite-laden truck have sparked a debate on the quality of the ongoing work and safety standards for its workers and commuters. The first serious accident, on February 6, injured four labourers, one of whom suffered critical head injuries. A public outcry prompted the reluctant police to register an offence. The truck driver was booked while the contractor and the agencies for which it is carrying out the work are let off.
In an alleged bid to hush up the matter, the four workers were compensated. They were sent to their natives in Agra, whereas two are back to return to work. The blame game began and the result was Nil.
This was followed by four similar incidents in a span of 18 days. Fortunately, no casualties were reported but certainly added to the woes of the general public and a loss to the exchequer. No complaints are filed and no suo-moto cognizance is taken. Ironically, while the government is playing it safe, the Opposition leaders protesting against the haphazard work have so far shied away from approaching relevant authorities with formal complaints or seeking legal remedies to prevent inconvenience to the people.
'No' for digging DB Marg Road
Unfazed by criticism, the IPSCDL was allegedly hell-bent on “repairing” the DB Marg in the name of Smart City. The proposal for milling and re-carpeting of the stretch from Miramar to Patto was outrightly rejected by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, although temporarily, until the present mess is rectified and work completed.
Govt orders to study cave-ins
The government, facing a backlash over the projects, has reportedly ordered the IPSCDL to inquire into what is leading to cave-ins. Sources in the CMO exclusively told The Goan that outstation suppliers of road materials and equipment for excavation and sewage works are being inquired if they have been cheating the government with sub-standard supplies. A preliminary inquiry has revealed that consistent drilling has weakened several road patches and there's fear that similar mishaps could occur in other places. In what could also raise doubts about government agencies' sincerity to tackle the problem, some of them have proceeded on leave while those having additional charge of the Smart City projects are shunning their responsibility.
Health Hazard
Face masks are back in Panaji. Not due to the threat of recurrence of COVID-19 but because of the rampant road digging and sewage works. Spillage of sewage water and dust pollution has forced citizens to wear face masks. These pits are left open after their day's work or on a holiday posing a serious threat to public health.
Questions are raised if the Health Services and Goa State Pollution Control Board will take up the matter.
Former Mayor Uday Madkaikar has shared the ordeal of one of the residents, who is suffering from asthma. "I immediately posted these pictures on a WhatsApp group where all our councillors and Smart City officials are members and requested to direct the contractors to clean this dust as it is dangerous for health, but there's no response from Smart City officers... It is high time that criminal action has to be taken on these officers who are playing with public life," Madkaikar said in his WhatsApp media post. He questioned if the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) will act immediately and save the lives of people suffering from asthma, sinus, and chest problems.
