No solution in sight to traffic congestion and parking
Panjim’s growing population – resident and floating – is giving rise to traffic congestion which is possibly the major problem in the city. Finding parking is reaching nightmarish proportions. Though there has been a lot of discussion on finding a solution to this there appears to be no solution in sight. According to the authorities pay parking, one way streets and pedestrian zones could sort out the congestion and parking problems. Yet, none of these have been introduced in the city.
Public transport is
almost non-existent
There are just two bus routes in the city. One on the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, which has a regular service, and the other on the bus stand to Altinho route. There have been complaints of buses in pathetic condition, of conductors being rude, of no tickets being issued, of buses stopping anywhere and of parking at T junctions causing traffic jams in the city. There have also been complaints from passengers that if they object, bus staff taunt them daring them to complain to the RTO, as it will yield no result as they have been ‘taken care of’.
Water contamination is a regular problem
The mixing of the sewage water with potable water is something one hears of regularly. According to the authorities the water pipes as well as the sewage lines have been placed close to each other. As the sewage lines are old there have been instances where water and sewage mix and residents who turn on their taps find water mixed with sewage flowing into their homes. The government has only now started relaying water pipes and sewerage works too have begun in outlying areas of the city, but the pace of work is slow to nonexistent.
Areas still to be connected to sewerage system
Areas of Panjim have a sewerage system. However, a lot of houses are not connected to the network. In many areas, especially the suburbs, the lines are not connected to houses. In many parts – especially in the main city area, the lines have become old and need to be replaced.
Bad drainage leads to
monsoon flooding
Flooding is a perennial problem in the city. A long shower of rain floods certain areas almost immediately as water does not drain out quickly. Pumps are required in low-lying areas, especially in Mala, to drain out the water so as to ensure that it does not enter houses.
