Panaji, found itself battling unexpected inundation as unseasonal rain lashed several parts of the city. The downpour, relentless for about an hour, led to extensive flooding in various localities including EDC Patto complex, Mala, Bhatulem, Taleigao, and Bombay Bazaar. Frustration brewed among shop owners in affected areas, who claimed recurring inundations have plagued their businesses for the past three decades. The heavy showers accompanied by thunderstorm, lightning and gusty winds left the Smart City works in complete disarray in the capital. A number of vehicles were stuck in the muck created by Smart City mess. In some places, the roads caved in, raising concerns about the quality of Smart City works. Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL), has six weeks more to complete all its work when the deadline ends on May 31, this year. However, past experiences and the shoddy quality of works alongwith haphazard planning does not generate confidence in the public that the works could be completed in time and the citizens will have their city back in good shape. Panjim was amongst the first cities selected under the Centre's Smart Cities Mission launched in 2015.
