Outpouring of anger at Smart City mishaps reaches a peak

PANJIM: Social activists on Tuesday slammed the Smart City Mission for destroying a historic relic at St Inez and causing severe hardships to the residents of Panjim with its incessant digging for laying sewerage lines.

Speaking to reporters, renowned playback singer and social activist Hema Sardesai said, “A historic relic has been destroyed. There cannot be any forgiveness if it has been tampered with. Is this the way the government is going? There is absolutely no concern. A mess has been created with mud flung everywhere. Why extra people have not been deployed to complete the work? Where is the money going?”

However, there was no clarity on what exactly the destroyed relic was.

Sardesai criticised the authorities for cutting trees and not clearing mud spread across the construction sites.

“I am not appreciating all the things done by the government. Sorry, it is nothing when compared with the pain and tragedy faced by the people of Panjim in the name of the Smart City,” she said.

Historian and heritage activist Prajal Sakhardande said, “Who is accountable for the destruction of the relic? The heritage is being destroyed in the name of Smart City.”

Historian Sanjeev Sardessai said, “A very rich heritage has been destroyed. We do not know what it is, but it must be cleaned and studied by the Archaeology of India (ASI).” 

Meanwhile, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) said it is committed towards a green Panjim under the Smart City Mission and the capital city will see a greater and methodically planned green cover taking shape in a phase-wise manner.

 “A new re-greening plan is in place and is being adhered to throughout the Development process. In the stretch from Madhuban Complex to Sheetal Hotel, St Inez, where work is nearing completion, we have designated close to 30 canopy trees for planting. These trees will be strategically planted on both sides, at adequate intervals. This initiative reflects our dedication to enhancing Panjim’s aesthetics and increasing green cover. We anticipate positive transformations in the city through this green initiative,” the statement by IPSCDL said.

Smart City Mission head unhappy for not being invited to ‘Round table Discussion’ 

PANJIM: The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has expressed its displeasure for not inviting them for the Round Table Discussion on 'Issues Plauging Implementation of Smart City - Panaji'. The Round Table discussion was jointly organised by the Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Institution of Engineers (India), Goa State Centre on January 24.

In letters written to both - GCCI and the Institution of Engineers, IPSCDL Managing Director and chief executive officer (CEO) Sanjit Rodrigues has stated that there was an oversight in not including its representative in the Round Table Discussion as this event focused on the issues pertaining to the implementation of Smart City Mission projects in Panjim.

Appreciating the insights shared by the panelists at the event, Rodrigues said, “It is surprising that IPSCDL, a crucial stakeholder in the Smart City Mission was not invited to contribute. Our participation could have offered valuable fact-backed insights, ensuring a more balanced discussion. The absence of our representation has made the conversation extremely one sided.”

Rodrigues further stated that it is important to stress that having IPSCDL in these discussions is not just a process, but it is necessary for an accurate understanding of the Smart City Mission in Panjim.

It may be recalled that panelists had slammed the IPSCDL for the ongoing Smart City works and demanded that elected representatives should resign if the works are not completed by May 31 this year.

When contacted, Director of GCCI Sanjay Amonkar said, “We have received a letter from IPSCDL. GCCI infrastructure committee is preparing a detailed report of the round table discussion. We had engaged faculty from Dempo College of Commerce and Economics as knowledge partners and they are compiling it. Once report is ready we will share it with IPSCDL.”