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As Goa's capital city, Panaji is usually considered well-developed in all aspectsBut in reality, it is far from being a model city, with many unresolved issues that still continue to remain on the back-burner.
A rundown of these common issues include dilapidated road conditions, inadequate water supply, day-to-day maintenance in wards which includes waste collection, pruning of trees, and upkeep of street lights, among others.
While BJP-backed councillors consider themselves lucky as they have managed to undertake developmental works in their respective wards, others belonging to the opposition are crying foul, alleging that they were not alloted funds.
When The Goan undertook a ward-wise tour in the city, it was observed that certain areas, especially Miramar, a part of St Inez, Boca de Vaca, Fontainhas and Campal, appear to be regularly maintained, complete with retaining walls, sewerage connectivity to most houses, staircases, installation of streetlights, among others.
Moreover, prompt maintenance of wards is also being carried out viz waste collection, pruning of trees, etc.
However, areas which need urgent attention include some portions of Mala, St Inez bandh, parts of Caranzalem and Dona Paula, among others.
As far as Caranzalem and Dona Paula are concerned, the completion of the concrete road from Miramar to Dona Paula has been a pressing issue, since work has been dragging on for the last three years. As the road is incomplete, vehicles are forced to take a diversion from Tonca circle whilst proceeding towards Miramar and vice-versa. Owing to high traffic volume along this route which is a bottleneck, residents often complain often high levels of dust pollution that has resulted in respiratory illness. Moreoveras the area comprises a mix of small-tiled roof houses as well as multi-storeyed buildings, there is a constant tussle among residents for water as well and electricity.
The Tonca-Carazalem locality comprises housing complexes with nearly 30 multi-storeyed buildings that have put in place 'one-point' garbage collection system, a unique distinguishing feature from the other wards.
Another aspect that needs serious attention is the St Inez bandh, which is home to a number of shanties with single-roomed houses, including a community toilet which is in pathetic condition. It was also observed that some of the houses are discharging sewage water into the nullah.
On the other hand, the heritage locales of Campal and Fontainhas add to Panaji’s beauty. But these areas have its own set of problems, predominant of which is haphazard parking. As far as Campal is concerned, the by-lanes in this locality are occupied by people who haphazardly park their vehicles when when visit exhibitions and programmes that are held at Campal ground and Kala Academy. As a result, residents often find it difficult to navigate their own vehicles into parking lots.
Residents in Fontainhas complain that restaurants in the area have led to traffic chaos owing to the narrow lanes. While some people feel that the government should take over the maintenance of these heritage houses, there are some others who opine that heritage festivals can be organised here so that the Fontainhas develops as a major tourist spot in the city.
18th June Road, considered to be the liveliest, is thronged by thousands of tourists and locals alike.
Being a major business hub, the area faces several problems, with inadequate parking space being a major issue. During peak hours, the street often witnesses double-parking and acute traffic congestion. Though the traffic cell has installed CCTVs at different locations along this busy street, it has failed to address this problem. Additionally, as tourists frequent this part of the city, a pay-toilet facility could be of huge convenience.
For years together, St Inez nullah has been craving for attention. The entire nullah overflows with waste material such as plastic and paper. Apart from this, sewage is being indiscriminately emptied into the nullah, There are also several areas with overgrown vegetation. Interestingly, in some parts of the nullah, mainly Camrabhat, otters have made their presence felt during the last one year.
Meanwhile, the one-way traffic plan which was implemented in Panaji’s prime areas needs a review. Certain places, where barricades have been erected, are now being used as unofficial parking areas, thus creating an hinderance to smooth vehicular flow, which in turn leads to further congestion.
With the elections to the Corporation of City of Panaji to be held today, 95 candidates are in the fray for the polls. Panaji First, backed by the State Bharatiya Janata Party, has floated a 30-member panel. United Panaji front, backed by the Congress has unveiled 20 candidates while Panaji City Corporation Development Front, backed by Taleigao bigwig, Babush Monserrate, has announced a 30-member panel. Though all the panels list out solutions to existing problems in Panaji in their respective manifestos, surprisingly though, none of these make any mention about making Panaji a 'smart city'.
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IN A NUTSHELL
- Completion of the concrete road from Miramar to Dona Paula has been dragging on for the last three years, with vehicles being forced to take a diversion from Tonca circle whilst proceeding towards Miramar and vice-versa.
- The St Inez bandh is home to a number of shanties with single-roomed houses, including a community toilet which is in pathetic condition. Some of the houses are found to be discharging sewage water into the nullah.
- The one-way traffic plan in Panaji needs a review. Certain places, where barricades have been erected, are now being used as unofficial parking areas.
- Haphazard parking by visitors in Campal's heritage precinct has inconvenienced residents on numerous occasions.
- Lack of parking space along the busy 18th June Road needs to be addressed.
