Team Herald
PANJIM: Former mayor of the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) and councillor Surendra Furtado has said that fancy pavements and complicated drains will not hold good in the low-lying areas of Miramar and Panjim streets.
Furtado made this observation during a presentation by a consultant on laying of universal pavements and footpaths under Smart City Mission. He said that the authorities had already tendered and appointed contractors for these works and that councillors were called for the presentation thereafter. He also alleged that the pavements have been proposed for certain areas and not for the entire capital city.
“We need to consider events of high rainfall rates causing flooding in Panjim city and the effect of high tides that often coincide with flash floods. Climate change is here to stay and we must consider these factors in designing drains and pavements to suit local conditions,” he said.
Pointing to scientists predicting climate change and more rainfall and tides resulting in greater flooding of low lying areas of cities like Panjim, Furtado said that pavements and drainages should be designed to meet this new challenge. He suggested that elevation map for Panjim may help with planning drainage alignment. He said that NIO can be consulted to regulate monsoon drain water coupled with tides.
