Chaotic Smart City projects in Panaji leave residents struggling due to poor planning
The projects implemented in Panaji under the Smart City Mission since the past two-three years have become a nightmare for locals, as also visitors to the capital city including tourists. It would not be an exaggeration to say that these projects are being executed in the most messy manner. In fact, the multiple contractors involved in these projects – who have no coordination among them – are digging and re-digging the same areas despite earlier claims of completion. Panaji, once known as the most beautiful city in Goa resting comfortably on the banks of River Mandovi, has now become a scary region. And the government seems to be least bothered about the plight of people who either reside or work in this city, including the business community.
The recent statements of city MLA, Atanasio ‘Babush’ Monserrate, wherein he shared similar thoughts, reflect the apathy of the government towards the common man, whose sufferings in the capital city have no bounds.
Monserrate maintained that the Chief Secretary, who heads the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), and managing director of this special purpose vehicle (SPV) are taking decisions without involving other members of this SPV. Monserrate, who is the city legislator and Rohit Monserrate, the city Mayor are two of the many members on this body. Monserrate’s observation that the Chief Minister should have headed the SPV, has some rationale. Elected public representatives are closer to the people than bureaucrats, and hence have direct access to public views and opinions.
Monserrate’s comment that he is not interested in taking up any responsibility of the Smart City projects as there is little chance of their timely completion, points at the reality behind maintaining the deadline of these projects. March 31, 2025 is the deadline assured by the IPSCDL to the court and it is fast approaching. Almost a year ago, two High Court judges had inspected the ongoing Smart City works and expressed their dissatisfaction over them, particularly due to dust pollution.
Now one year later, with a new deadline for completion of Smart City works, it appears that these works will be extended beyond March 31. Much of the works in areas like central Panaji, St Inez, Rua de Ourem, Altinho and Mala, remain yet to be completed. The vehicular traffic is facing difficulties and so are the pedestrians, as the roads as well as footpaths are dug randomly without any notice to the public, and are in unusable state. The shopkeepers are facing bad business in the absence of customers as no one desires to visit the city unless very much necessary. Finally, the delays in completing these works must have definitely resulted in rise in their cost.
Much has been said about the quality or rather lack of quality of the Smart City works. The arrival of monsoon will expose the same, if the doubts expressed about the quality are genuine. At many places in the city, tiles fitted on footpaths have already loosened, while last year, decision was taken to stop the ‘Smart Bus Shelter’ works in the city, due to substandard design and the quality of the work.
It is said that, ‘Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.’ One sincerely hopes the Smart City authorities’ takes note of this adage.
