50-metre cement concrete paver block stretch constructed between Hindu Pharmacy and Ritz Café near Garcia de Orta develops cracks within eight days; ramp built on the adjoining footpath without a railing is unsafe for persons with disabilities; drains full of filth and littered with waste, including plastic bottles left open
ROHAN SHRIVASTAV
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PANJIM: The authorities appear to be on a ‘shoddy mission’ while carrying out Smart city works in the State’s Capital city of Panjim. A shining example of the shoddy works being executed under the Smart City Mission is the 50-metre cement concrete paver block stretch constructed between Hindu Pharmacy and Ritz Café near Garcia de Orta (municipal garden) in the city.
According to residents from the area, the pavers have developed cracks and many have chipped off within just eight days.
The ramp constructed on the adjoining footpath without a railing is unsafe for pedestrians, particularly for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The drains constructed along the stretch are full of filth and littered with waste including plastic bottles. To make matters worse, these drains have been left open.
The stretch, which was taken up for beautification, has been defaced with paan stains.
This stretch has been constructed by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) appointed contractor as part of the beautification and pedestrianisation of Cafe Bhonsle Square.
Shopkeepers in the area complained that they were inconvenienced and incurred losses in their business as the stretch was closed for over three months.
“The stretch work has been carried out haphazardly and without proper planning. We have already seen gutters filled and major flooding is possible in this area. This is definitely not smart work,” a local shop owner said.
Deputy Mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP), Sanjeev Naik, who is also the Councillor of the area said that the IPSCDL has been asked to reconstruct the stretch.
“Vehicles are plying on the said stretch, the paver blocks are meant for pedestrians. Necessary rectification work will soon be carried out by IPSCDL. We have asked them to change the paver blocks,” Naik said.
A senior official of the IPSCDL claimed that the area was being developed as a pedestrian zone after discussions with the CCP and the other stakeholders; hence paver blocks were laid instead of constructing a concrete road on the said stretch. However, the CCP has now asked IPSCDL to drop the plan and develop the stretch as a full-fledged road where even heavy vehicles can ply.
“Initially, the area was being developed as a pedestrian zone. While we were executing this project, the stakeholders changed their mind and told us that they don’t want a pedestrian zone, but a road where vehicles can ply,” the IPSCDL official said.
“Based on their request, we are redesigning the entire project and it will be re-done only after the monsoon. For now, we can’t do anything as we have instructions from the government to stop all ongoing projects from March 30,” he added.
