95% of Smart City work near complete: CM

Panaji: Chief minister Pramod Sawant said on Monday that almost 95% of the Smart City work in Panaji “is about to be completed”. The deadline for the completion of the work is May 31.

“Smart City MD and CEO Sanjit Rodrigues will conduct an inspection within two days to review the work and complete it. The inspection will be conducted along with mayor of the Corporation of the City of Panaji, Rohit Monserrate,” said the chief minister.

Earlier this year, even high court judges visited Panaji to understand the problems faced by citizens due to dust pollution in view of the Smart City work.

Projects under the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) in Panaji include implementation of smart radio wireless network with mast towers, upgradation of solid waste management infrastructure, and smart classrooms — enhancing ICT learning environment in government-run schools, among others.

Under the Smart City Mission, civic works such as reconstruction of roads, pavements, storm water drains, utility crossing chambers, and footpaths are being developed along different road stretches in Panaji. This construction work has long caused inconvenience to the public and traffic jams. The works under the mission also include the replacement of old water supply, sewage, and electrical lines, as well as the laying of gas lines.