PANAJI
In all probability, the Water Resources, and Public Works departments, and the Corporation of the City of Panaji are not monsoon ready but the citizens are. Water-logged streets, choked drains, and flooding in low-lying areas could be back to haunt the Panjimites.
An abrupt decision to stop all the Smart City works by March 15 to prepare for G-20 Summit ~ the global event which will not be held in Panaji ~ is expected to worsen the situation in the upcoming rainy season.
Victim of flooding
The commercial street of Panaji, 18 June Road, and the arterial lanes are victims of flooding with the very first monsoon shower. A government official justified that the concerned departments besides the CCP will take charge of the situation until the Smart City works are resumed post-monsoon.
“Out of 8.5 km of the road that suffers during the rains, only 400 metres are dug for the ongoing work so far. This work will be complete by next month and if not, the flood-like situation will still not escalate,” the official said requesting anonymity.
No relief in sight
Except for the DBB Road, each street in Panaji is excavated and a new patch is dug every alternate day or week.
"Pre-monsoon works will be carried out like every year but complete relief from flooding will not be possible this time," revealed a source.
“We cannot give up the work, else the Rs 930-odd crore funded by the Centre for Smart City and Amrut project will be reversed. We need to submit a utilization certificate,” another official added, assuring that works won’t be abandoned halfway.
Maintenance duty
Asked which agency will take charge of the maintenance after the completion of the Smart City mission, a senior bureaucrat revealed that concerned government departments have entered into “contractual obligations” to maintain their respective projects for three years to 10 years. Details shared with The Goan mention that nullah and sewerage will be handled by the PWD for a maximum of five years, roads will be under GSUDA and promenades will have to be maintained by GSIDC. Among several other works assigned to each department, the pumping station at St Inez will be maintained by WRD.
The government is yet to finalize agencies to undertake the maintenance after the contractual period.
