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

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-friendly
Srinagar smart city takes charge of parking zones in ITMS overhaul


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

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?