Smart City Mission disrupts Mala spring's flow with 'haphazard' works

Residents of Mala, Panjim, have claimed that the implementation of projects under the Smart City Mission has disrupted the natural flow of the Mala spring. According to them, the accumulated water poses a risk of mosquito breeding and the subsequent outbreak of vector-borne diseases. Former Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) Councillor Menino da Cruz alleged that the contractor responsible for laying new sewer lines under the Smart City Mission had damaged the Portuguese-era stormwater drainage system. He stated, The spring water used to pass through it. Now, as those are totally choked, there is no way for the water to flow naturally. Cruz further warned that if immediate corrective measures were not taken, the water could become contaminated, posing a threat to the residents who rely on the spring. He asserted that they would hold the government and relevant parties accountable if they failed to restore the natural flow of the spring. Expressing concern, a resident of Mala, emphasised the religious significance of the spring and urged the authorities to ensure its protection. He said, The authorities concerned should ensure that there is no damage done and that the natural flow of the spring is not disturbed. In response to the situation, CCP Mayor Rohit Monserrate stated that he would personally inspect the area and request the intervention of Sanjit Rodrigues, the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Imagine Panaji Smart City Development (IPSCDL), to address the matter. Also read: Urban development must be sustainable and climate-friendlySrinagar smart city takes charge of parking zones in ITMS overhaul