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 Transport

11 May 2026

Shivraj Chouhan Launches PMGSY IV and Announces Package for Madhya Pradesh

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) IV at Bhairunda in Sehore district during the 25 year celebrations and announced a development package for Madhya Pradesh. The programme was organised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development and attended by Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, ministers of state, state ministers, legislators and senior officials from the centre and the state. The minister said the central government under the Prime Minister is committed to strengthening rural livelihoods through improved connectivity, housing and women's in..

DMR Engineering Reports FY 25-26 Financial Results

DMR Engineering reported its half year results for the financial year ended 31 March 2026 and published full year figures on a standalone basis. Standalone revenue from operations decreased by 2.01 per cent year-over-year to Rs 102.58 million (mn), while profit after tax declined by 43.94 per cent to nine point five six mn, leaving a profit after tax margin of nine point zero five per cent. Earnings per share stood at Rs zero point nine two, a fall of 44.71 per cent year-over-year. The company attributed part of the decline to one-off provisioning for bad debts and additional financing charges..

Atlanta Electricals Posts Strong FY26 Growth And Debt Free Finish

Atlanta Electricals reported audited consolidated results for the quarter and year ended 31 March 2026. The company recorded significant year-on-year revenue growth driven by capacity ramp-up at new facilities and higher utilisation at legacy plants. The announcement summarised operating improvements and strategic milestones achieved during the year. For Q4 the company reported revenue of Rs 7.48 bn and for FY26 revenue of Rs 18.52 bn, representing robust growth versus the prior year. EBITDA in Q4 was Rs. 1.49 bn and Rs. 3.44 bn for the full year, with margins expanding to 20 per cent in the q..