The findings of the study on climate change and the alarming surge in extreme rainfall across Goa should raise alarm bells all over the state, especially in Panjim. Since the research shows that rainfall has almost doubled in about 118 years, there is a need for the setting up of an emergency task force and exceptional planning, so as to take steps to prevent the sinking of the city of Panjim due to rising ocean levels—particularly since the area from Caranzalem to the Panjim waterfront is said to be reclaimed from the sea or river.
However, Panjim requires planning not only to protect the city from flooding and eventual submersion due to rising sea levels, but also a complete revamp of governance. Hence, a 15-point agenda for Panjim is suggested in the form of questions which require studied answers:
1. How can we tackle the development–environment conundrum in Panjim, while protecting its environment and planning for water management, flood risk reduction, disaster management, and pollution control? Since Panjim is a city built on water, we cannot set out on a spree of mega development. We cannot opt for high-rise construction. The city’s environment must be safeguarded, and systems for water management, flood control, drainage, and quick-response disaster mechanisms must be put in place.
2. What kind of institutional and governance base is required for Panjim? The traditional systems of administration and governance, now outdated, should be revamped with new institutional and governance frameworks that are in tune with changing technology and responsive to citizens.
3. How can we ensure that local government is accountable and transparent, and works in partnership with civil society, so that local needs and possibilities are reflected in the local government agenda? The state government and its machinery—including the Collector, Mamlatdar, and CCP—should take citizens on board to deliver transparent and accountable governance.
4. How can we learn from other cities, and combine prosperity, good living conditions, and a low ecological or carbon footprint? There is a need to set up research teams or tie up with research institutions to study and implement successful case studies to improve various aspects of city living. Cities such as Singapore, Tokyo, and others have shown the way.
5. What city initiatives should we support, and how can we fund these? Experiments like Smart City have been a total disaster, as evident from the public response, since they are not people-centric, exclude citizen participation, and are project-centric without improving governance.
6. Can we—or should we—engage in participatory planning and budgeting with the local government, and try to initiate citizen-based monitoring of development works? Panjim could take a leaf from Porto Alegre, Brazil, where citizens are involved in decision-making regarding public spending, allocating resources to poorer areas and empowering residents to set priorities—enhancing transparency and community ownership, rather than imposing top-down projects.
7. How can we ensure that information and data about local government and development works are easily accessible? The current system thrives on opacity, making data as difficult to access as possible. If the government, CCP, or Smart City has nothing to hide, they should make data readily available.
8. What agenda should we draw up for upgrading Panjim’s infrastructure to ensure aesthetics and retain Goenkarponn and its old-world charm? The sculpture art initiative in Panjim was completely lacking in imagination. We must do better.
9. What agenda should we formulate for addressing the health needs of citizens, preventing disease, and improving health and emergency services? Health and well-being are vital. Instead of erecting elaborate buildings for the Directorate of Panchayats, TCP, or Accounts, the Urban Health Centre should be upgraded into a modern, 100-bed hospital with full amenities.
10. Is there a need to engage with citizens for inputs, and to conduct awareness and education drives?
11. What forums, events, and activities should be initiated to protect and showcase Goa’s heritage, culture, traditions, and values?
12. How do we deal with poverty and slum management? The city is plagued by beggars, urchins, and destitute people from other states, which gives Panjim an unpleasant image. How can we tackle this issue effectively?
13. How do we address problems related to housing, transport, traffic safety, and the security of women, the elderly, and persons with disabilities?
14. What partnerships should be forged to achieve our goals for a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Panjim?
15. What vehicles, slogans, and strategies can we adopt to implement our 'Agenda for Panjim'?
The Smart City should have been conceptualised to provide answers to all the above questions. However, as mentioned earlier, it has been a complete disaster due to the total exclusion of citizens from participatory planning and decision-making. If we do not change the way we plan and implement projects, money will continue to be wasted, contractors will keep reaping profits, and the city and its residents will be left at the mercy of climate change and looming environmental disaster—something, God forbid, that may very well descend upon us if Panjim’s future MLA and planners do not take this seriously.