Says works to be completed on time despite delay due to unseasonal rains
PANAJI
The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has attributed the recent flooding of the 18 June Road in Panaji to drainage complications.
Speaking to the media after a review meeting on Monday, IPSCDL CEO Sanjit Rodrigues highlighted the intricacies underlying the recurrent flooding citing the geographical shortcoming as this is the city’s lowermost point.
“This is the city’s lowest point… the discharge is either slow or non-existent resulting from the accumulation of silt and obstructions to the flow. Wherever the works have been carried out by the IPSCDL, the drains are cleared… In this case, it has not been taken up… I think the entire city should be covered with this process to ensure clear passage for the drains,” he said.
Responding to queries regarding its rectification, Rodrigues stated that certain areas fall outside IPSCDL’s purview but quickly added that they will collaborate with the Public Works Department (PWD) and municipality to address these concerns promptly. The 18 June road witnessed knee-deep waters with vehicles partially submerged after the unseasonal rainfall last Saturday.
About the ongoing works, Rodrigues disclosed that rains did hamper resulting in a temporary setback. “Nevertheless, we will try to meet the project deadline (of May 31) by increasing work shifts and as well as the labour force to expedite the works… We have no option,” he added.
“We encountered setbacks due to heightened water table and the moisture level after the downpour. Our focus is stormwater drainage optimization along with renewed stress on connecting drains,” Rodrigues further said. The review meeting was also attended by City Mayor Rohit Monserrate and other officials concerned.
The IPSCDL, the CEO said, has also taken action against two contractors for delaying works even as the officer refrained from divulging the details.
