It was supposed to be a model city, built on the lines of aEuropean metro, lined with trees, quarters with traditional houses, roads andblocks that didn’t cause confusion. But, that was when it was built. The Panjimof the present, is another story altogether.
In what could emerge as another round of bizarreresolutions, Corporation of City of Panaji has passed a resolution seekingbanning of film shoots in the city as they contributed substantially to thecity’s garbage problem. While the city has not been able to find a suitablespot to segregate, treat and dump garbage, stopping film shoots is shootingitself in the foot.
Apart from its natural splendor and beauty, the city hasfailed to keep pace with development.
The CCP, the body that runs the civic administration of thecity has only been passing resolutions with no action on ground. A very vocal corporator, Surendra Furtadoclaims that none of the developmental proposals of CCP has reached thegovernment in the last one year.
Right from treating sewage and planning parking, to theserious issues like garbage treatment, plans have only remained on paper and noconcrete action has been initiated by the CCP. In the past, the CCP hadproposed to tackle major issues like decongestion of the city, de-silting ofthe St Inez creek, parking problem, garbage and beautification of Mala lake.“Most CCP resolutions remain on paper. Nobody has the guts to initiate anyaction for development due their own vested interests,” Furtado said.
While the CCP Mayor Vaidhehi Naik claims that they have beentrying their best to complete as many development projects as possible,opposition and ruling councilors blame the government for the negligence ofvarious developmental plans proposed by the CCP, which has been lying pendingfor several years.
“The politicians and the builders’ lobby are opposing thegarbage treatment plant at Baiguinim, for instance, as they have invested inproperties at the Kadamba plateau,” Furtado disclosed.
Much of the mayor’s hopes hinges on Chief Minister, ManoharParrikar. The only positive sign from Parrikar, was when he stated that newprojects will be taken up in the city and Panjim will be developed as one ofthe best cities in India within next three years. Whether this may also remainjust a promise, is the question.
