PANJIM: Almost a year after Panjim was approved for the Smart City Project, the State government has finally received the first installment of Rs 108 cr for the project.
The State government had approved the Rs 981.11 crore proposal for Panjim Smart City which was then approved by Union Urban Development Ministry.
Urban Development Minister Francis D’Souza confirmed that the first installment was received a few days back. “The funds have come to our bank account and will now be transferred to GSIDC, the implementing agency,” he said.
Asked what works would be taken up on priority, he said surveillance and wi-fi would be first on the list.
“There are several other things but surveillance (CCTV) on major junctions will be the priority besides wi-fi networks in the entire city,” he said. Besides this, he said that 24×7 water supply for Panjim will also be taken up in first phase.
When it was pointed out that the government is at loggerheads with the Corporation of City of Panaji which could lead to difficulties in implementing the project, he said, “I don’t think so, the Chief Minister will take care of that.”
The Smart City Mission consultant, ICLEI South Asia, had drafted a Rs 1313.74 crore proposal for the city, which was then reduced to Rs 981.11 crore, following revised guidelines from the Union Ministry.
