PANAJI
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has sought an extension until June 30 to complete the remaining works including the 150-meter Taad-Maad road in St Inez.
The agency made this submission before the Bombay High Court at Goa after the government’s statement to the Bench indicating a need for more time to complete the 150-meter road stretch from the Taad Maad temple to STP in Tonca. This area reported the collapse of a just-constructed drain on Monday morning, sparking public anger and demands from opposition parties for an investigation into the alleged corruption in the Smart City projects.
The PILs on the matter are scheduled for further hearing on June 18.
During the last hearing on Tuesday, IPSCDL Chief General Manager Eduardo Pereira submitted a compliance report to the Court, stating that the closure of the incomplete 150-meter St Inez road segment does not significantly inconvenience the public and cited alternative arrangements. However, the report did not make any reference to the drain collapse.
While excavation in most parts of Panaji appears to be completed, the road patches at several places are not sealed in a proper way posing a risk to people as the State is witnessing incessant rainfall. The pavements are also still unfinished.
