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

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..