the goan I network
PANAJI
Faced with questions over the “smartness” of Panaji in the wake of the recent 22-hour long power cut, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) on Monday outlined plans to tackle the power situation by setting up a ‘smart grid’ where old transformers and electricity distribution boards would be changed.
Addressing the press, Swayandipta Pal Chaudhuri, MD & CEO of IPSCDL said the life expectancy of transformers in certain parts of Panaji and Ribandar was coming to an end and would be replaced as part of the ‘Smart City’ project. Besides this, electricity distribution boards would also be replaced inorder to provide 24x7 power supply to all citizens.
Chaudhuri said the tendering of “Smart Grid” would take place by July 15. The move comes two weeks after the 22-hour long power cut in the city left Panjimites enraged.
Chaudhuri said all changes and developments are being made by IPSCDL inorder to make Panaji a smart city and to “provide a better life to Panjimites.”
When reminded that the villages outside the capital city still faced problem of limited power and water supply, while Panaji would have a smart management system, Chaudhuri said IPSCDL was working on providing 24-hour power supply to these villages too.
Director of IPSCDL, Sidharth Kuncalienker who also spoke to the press said, they were trying to do everything simultaneously and that they were “not leaving anything or anyone behind.”
Responding to criticism, Kuncalienker assured that priority will be to provide basic amenities to people.
The proposal to make Panaji a smart city has been submitted to the government of India. Larsen and Toubro has won the bid for the “Goa Intelligent City Management System Project.” As public money is being used in this project, IPSCDL intends to have meetings every month where public could put up suggestions and raise questions.
