PANAJI
The State government on Wednesday informed the High Court of Bombay at Goa that three stretches excavated for Smart City works would be completed by January 20, while the entire project under the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) will be completed by May.
Advocate General Devidas Pangam made the submission in reply to fresh allegations by the petitioners in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), claiming that the new works were initiated without proper notification and have added to the woes of the commuters and residents of Panaji.
The petitioners filed a fresh application alleging that the works commenced in three areas -- from Caculo Mall to Taad Maad, Geeta Bakery to the Panaji Police Station and Caculo Circle to the St Inez junction.
Represented by their legal counsel, the petitioners argued that the citizens were unaware of these projects due to the absence of prior public notice.
The petitioners also highlighted dust pollution caused by these activities and suggested water spraying as a remedial measure. Photographs of the ongoing works and closure of prime roads were submitted as evidence to the Court during the hearing.
Pangam assured the Bench that the three roads would be made motorable by January 20. He further stated that the stretch from Caculo Mall to the Sewage Treatment Plant at Tonca would be completed by March 31.
Regarding traffic regulation and dust pollution, the government committed to filing an affidavit by Monday detailing the measures IPSCDL would implement to ensure no inconvenience to the people.
