All these years, we had a nice circle which we used to call Dona Paula circle, although, some people preferred to say NIO circle as a prominent national institute exists at this site. Whatever it may be, now, I am a bit pessimistic saying this circle which used to be a landmark will soon be only an eyesore.
A serene oasis in the past, it now has a number of installations and more keep coming up. Already existing in this area is a police outpost and a Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) godown for garbage.
Even a nursery has come up here. Dozens of vehicles and cars frequent this area.
Worst of all, a section of this circle has been converted into a bus stand of sorts with three buses seen halting at any time. There has been no clear vision for this circle over the years. Should it be artistic, commercial, or what? There were artistic but impractical tiles put around the circle and already people are fed up with this titling work as traffic negotiating this circle has increased massively and the tiling is inconvenient and irritating.
The CCP and Smart City organisations have already been approached to modify this tiling work which was approved by them earlier.
A power cable is now supplying power directly from the mini sub-station to a nearby 10-floor tall building in order to meet their power needs for their motors to pump sufficient water. This cable has caused much disruption and difficulty for locals and is solely for the benefit of this particular building. All this while nearby neighbours have been struggling to get sufficient power for consumption but their efforts have been falling on deaf ears.
Now, another trouble residents of this area are facing is the destruction of a vacant plot that exists just off the circle and opposite to one bar and restaurant.
This plot is being used by unscrupulous elements including CCP and private trucks to dump all kind of debris and mud creating massive dust pollution. Even worse, fires are set and smoke causes respiratory problems for close by residents.
The residents are regretfully watching as this circle which was once a dream is slowly becoming a nightmare.
