A sudden heavy downpour in Panjim turned the city's roads into waterways, triggering widespread flooding and raising serious concerns about the city's preparedness for the monsoon season. The torrential rain led to the inundation of streets, particularly in the Miramar area, creating a flood-like situation that lasted for several minutes.
Unfortunately, the resulting floods have brought to light a series of hidden dangers that were lurking beneath the floodwaters. Large potholes, concealed beneath the surface, now pose a significant threat to commuters navigating the waterlogged streets. These hidden hazards have exposed the city's unpreparedness and have raised questions about its claim to be a smart city.
One of the primary issues exacerbating the situation is the lack of adequate drainage systems in Panjim. The heavy rain overwhelmed the existing infrastructure, leaving the water with no outlet, thereby prolonging the flooding. As a consequence, the city's claim to be a smart city has been called into question, as it appears ill-equipped to handle such weather conditions.
The inability to address the growing problem of flooding and the resulting hazards has cast a cloud over Panjim's reputation. Local authorities now face the daunting task of assessing the damage caused by the floods and taking necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
It is imperative that immediate action be taken to improve the drainage infrastructure and address the pothole problem to ensure the safety and well-being of the city's residents. The resilience and adaptability of the city's infrastructure will play a crucial role in safeguarding its residents and maintaining its status as a smart city.