PANAJI
The State government on Tuesday informed the Bombay High Court at Goa that following a Central government directive, the deadline for completing the Smart City projects in Panaji has been extended to March 31, 2025.
During a Public Interest Litigation hearing, which accused Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited and the Goa government of sub-standard work and potholed-ridden roads, the government assured that issues are being addressed and confirmed the new deadline extending to the end of the financial year.
The Bench of Justice M S Karnik and Justice Valmiki Menezes inquired about the status and deadline for the work from Caculo Mall to the Sewage Treatment Plant at Tonca to which Advocate General Devidas Pangam stated that a detailed report would be submitted.
The Court also requested information on the terms and tenure of the contractors to ensure compliance with the deadlines already set.
Regarding potholes, the AG mentioned that these are being filled and that roads would be tarred post-monsoon.
Earlier this month, the High Court ordered weekly status reports on the Smart City works after petitioners provided photographic evidence of poor-quality road repairs affecting various parts of the capital.
The government is also expected to respond to allegations of substandard work by contractors with petitioners claiming that Rs 1,200 crore has been wasted on these projects.
Last month, AG Pangam attributed the potholes to rains and assured that repairs would be carried out after the monsoon season.
