Barring unforeseen circumstances, an appraisal of the shape of things to come in Panaji in about a decade is best visualised during the monsoon. The capital city has spent more than Rs 1000 crore on setting up a new sewerage network that has caused a lot of pain to the people of the city, not to mention the loss of a few precious lives as well as injuries caused to others, which has taken a number of years. Many old buildings which are not in a good shape are due to come up for redevelopment, and with these 17 to 20 buildings being rebuilt, and that too at higher storeys, will cause further congestion.
Panaji-Patto was not only flooded but also had sewage seen on the roads. This area should receive attention as the situation now is almost out of control. So far this monsoon, the CCP has done a commendable job by trimming branches of trees in the city, which has been instrumental in preventing uprooted trees from falling within the city limits.
From the viewpoint of the waters of the Mandovi rising above road levels and submerging parts of the city during heavy downpours and at high tide, it is essential to build barriers at vulnerable places along the riverfront.
If departments such as the PWD, Corporation of the City of Panaji, the Forest Department and the Goa Meteorological Department co-operate and work in unison, it is possible to maintain Panaji in such a state that it deserves to be billed as the capital city of Goa. It should be the endeavour of the government to work towards the betterment of Panaji during the monsoon as well as during the dry period throughout the year.
