Panaji Corporation Unhappy With Simultaneous Road Closures for Smart City Project
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has expressed its objections to the Smart City Mission’s decision to shut down five major roads in Panaji, Goa, simultaneously. The project, which involves the construction of new footpaths and the laying of utility lines, is set to take place during the peak tourist season. The CCP is concerned about the potential chaos and high levels of dust pollution that could impact the entire city if all five roads are closed and excavated at the same time.
Concerns Over Inconvenience and Congestion
While the CCP acknowledges the importance of the project, it believes that the manner in which it is being approached fails to consider the inconvenience it will cause to the public. A senior CCP official stated, “We are not opposed to the project, but rather the manner in which it is being approached. The [Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited] should execute the project in a way that minimizes inconvenience to the public.”
The IPSCDL, responsible for the implementation of the project, has requested the temporary closure and excavation of M G Road, Swami Vivekananda Road, Cunha Rivera Road, 18th June Road, and T B Cunha Road. However, the North Goa collector Sneha Gitte is yet to make a decision on this request. A four-month closure of these vital roads for construction work is causing concern among the CCP officials.
The upcoming peak tourist season is expected to bring an influx of visitors to the city, resulting in increased traffic. The CCP official highlighted the possible disruptions and congestion that the combination of construction work and higher traffic volume could cause. They questioned whether the contractors would be able to complete the task within the given time frame.
Proposed Solutions to Minimize Disruption
To address these concerns, the CCP plans to propose alternative methods or a phased approach to minimize the potential disruption caused by the simultaneous excavation of all five roads. The Smart City Board, in collaboration with the IPSCDL, will be urged to consider a more strategic approach that takes into account the city’s traffic flow and the importance of the tourism industry. By suggesting alternative methods, the CCP hopes that the road construction work can be carried out with minimal inconveniences for both residents and tourists.
Enhancement of Functionality
Despite the discontent regarding the simultaneous road closures, the proposed development work aims to enhance the overall functionality of the area. Construction of new footpaths and the laying of utility lines will improve infrastructure and provide a better experience for residents and visitors alike. The Smart City Mission intends to transform Panaji into a modern and efficient city, and these improvements are a testament to this vision.
As the discussions continue between the CCP, the Smart City Board, and the IPSCDL, it remains to be seen whether alternative methods or a phased approach will be implemented to address the concerns raised by the corporation. Nonetheless, the need for development and progress must be balanced with the convenience and satisfaction of the people. This situation serves as a reminder that open communication and collaborative decision-making are key aspects of successful urban planning and development projects.
