Tensions flared in St. Inez, Panaji over ongoing Smart City works on Wednesday night. Angered by damage to an electricity line during the project, residents halted the works, and alleged encroachment on private property by Smart City officials.
The dispute arose as officials were excavating the footpath to install new pavers as part of a renovation project. Locals claimed that the marked area infringed upon their property, with one shop owner expressing frustration over the prolonged disruption caused by the works.
“They have been digging up this area for a year now and now they encroached in our property. We do not even get customers here, there’s dust at all times. Why aren’t they showing us acquisition proof? I only asked them to dig a bit away from my showroom and they called the police, so we can’t even say anything now?, ” he questioned.
Despite objections from residents, Smart City officials remained steadfast in their stance, asserting ownership of the marked area and continuing their work. However, locals raised concerns about the timing of the works, questioning why they were being carried out after 7pm and citing previous incidents of damage to infrastructure.
“We are not against the smart city work, but we have been suffering for the past year, they should be careful when they’re doing these works we have been without water and electricity due to this haphazard work. people have been injured as well,” said another local.
