Smart City projects in Goa delayed by State departments

23 Aug 2023 CW Team

A prime example is the Rs 63 million endeavour to establish smart parking at Miramar, which confronts delays due to the Public Works Department's struggle to obtain necessary approvals for smart infrastructure components, including electric vehicle charging points. The state government has informed the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs that this delay has hindered project advancement.

Similarly, obstacles arise from the inability to secure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from entities such as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), forest department, and tourism department for the Rs 409 million Mandovi promenade project. This effort aims to construct a pedestrian pathway from Miramar beach to the ESG complex but is impeded by a resort's intervention. The state seeks an NOC from the resort to proceed.

Further complications emerge from delays in acquiring NOCs from property owners adjacent to the creek for the Rs 411 million project to revitalise the St Inez nullah, causing the initiative, initiated in September 2021, to lag. Although set for completion by October this year, hindered site access has pushed the timeline.

Even large-scale projects such as the Rs 1458 million overhaul encompassing new electrical, water supply, and sewage lines, as well as smart walkways, face a completion deadline of March 2024, despite receiving work orders in December 2021.

Ribandar's ongoing projects are slated for completion in the first quarter of 2024, indicating prolonged road inconveniences for commuters and locals. While the Smart City Mission implementation duration extends to June 2024, the Union Ministry underscores the necessity for smart cities to meet project deadlines. State departments' cooperation is critical in ensuring the timely realisation of Smart City initiatives.

Progress in Panaji's Smart City projects is marred by delays attributed to state departments, according to the Goa government's communication to the Centre. Out of the 49 projects worth Rs 10538 million undertaken, only slightly over half have reached completion, with 23 projects, totaling Rs 6699 million, still awaiting finalisation.A prime example is the Rs 63 million endeavour to establish smart parking at Miramar, which confronts delays due to the Public Works Department's struggle to obtain necessary approvals for smart infrastructure components, including electric vehicle charging points. The state government has informed the Union Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs that this delay has hindered project advancement.Similarly, obstacles arise from the inability to secure No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from entities such as the Goa Coastal Zone Management Authority (GCZMA), forest department, and tourism department for the Rs 409 million Mandovi promenade project. This effort aims to construct a pedestrian pathway from Miramar beach to the ESG complex but is impeded by a resort's intervention. The state seeks an NOC from the resort to proceed.Further complications emerge from delays in acquiring NOCs from property owners adjacent to the creek for the Rs 411 million project to revitalise the St Inez nullah, causing the initiative, initiated in September 2021, to lag. Although set for completion by October this year, hindered site access has pushed the timeline.Even large-scale projects such as the Rs 1458 million overhaul encompassing new electrical, water supply, and sewage lines, as well as smart walkways, face a completion deadline of March 2024, despite receiving work orders in December 2021.Ribandar's ongoing projects are slated for completion in the first quarter of 2024, indicating prolonged road inconveniences for commuters and locals. While the Smart City Mission implementation duration extends to June 2024, the Union Ministry underscores the necessity for smart cities to meet project deadlines. State departments' cooperation is critical in ensuring the timely realisation of Smart City initiatives.