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

25 May 2023 CW Team

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

Infrastructure Urban

06 Apr 2026

InsideFPV Delivers ₹10 Crore Kamikaze Drone Order Under MoD’s EPR Route

InsideFPV, a Surat-based drone technology manufacturer, has successfully executed a ₹10 crore defence contract to supply indigenous kamikaze drones under the Ministry of Defence’s Emergency Procurement Route (EPR). The company completed the delivery of hundreds of FPV kamikaze drone platforms within a rapid two-month timeframe, highlighting its ability to meet urgent military procurement timelines.The supply orders were fulfilled under the emergency procurement mechanism, which is aimed at fast-tracking acquisitions for immediate operational needs. InsideFPV’s quick execution reflects it..

Vedanta Resources Secures Fitch Upgrade to ‘BB-’, Best Rating Since 2015

Vedanta Resources Limited (VRL), a global player in metals, oil & gas, critical minerals, power and technology, has received a credit rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings, marking its strongest bond rating in over a decade.Fitch has raised Vedanta Resources’ Long-Term Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to ‘BB-’ from ‘B+’, while maintaining a Stable Outlook. The agency also upgraded VRL’s senior unsecured rating, along with the ratings of US dollar-denominated bonds issued by Vedanta Resources Finance II Plc and guaranteed by VRL, to ‘BB-’.The upgrade represents Vedan..

NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter Launched

The NAREDCO NextGen NCR Chapter was recently launched at Excelerate 2026 in Mumbai, marking a key step towards integrating emerging real estate leaders from the National Capital Region with the national platform. The initiative aims to promote sustainable and responsible urban development through collaboration and knowledge exchange.The event brought together young developers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across NCR, including Noida, Gurugram, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, Bhiwadi, and Meerut. Discussions focused on urban development, finance, sustainability, innovation, and policy, emphasisi..