Centre gave Rs 441 crore for Panaji smart city: Minister in Rajya Sabha

Panaji: While Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) undertook 51 projects amounting to Rs 1,051 crore, the Smart City Mission obtained central financial assistance of Rs 441 crore as of March 4, of which Rs 411 crore was utilised, said the ministry of housing and urban affairs.
Minister of state in the ministry of housing and urban affairs, Tokhan Sahu, released the information in the Rajya Sabha. He said that of the 51 projects, 42 projects amounting to Rs 849 crore were completed, while nine projects valued at Rs 202 crore are ongoing. Sahu said that the deadline for completion is March 31, as per the requests from the state.
“No violations have been reported to govt of India, till date,” said Sahu in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. He also said that IPSCDL has taken steps to address public grievances arising from dust pollution, traffic congestion, road conditions, and safety challenges. Sahu’s statement comes after fears recently surfaced about the Hindu shrine at St Inez and the nearby banyan tree on the verge of collapse due to the excavation for the 710-mm diameter sewerage trunk line. IPSCDL officials said that the tree and the shrine “remain completely unaffected.”
IPSCDL said that the initial 12 metres of the 200-metre main trunk sewerage pipeline at Taad Maad temple was completed and the excavated area filled up. This phase marks a significant step in integrating the sewerage system from Taad Maad temple to the Sewage Treatment Plant in Tonca, covering a 200-metre stretch.
“As apprised by the Panaji Smart City, the challenges encountered in implementing smart city projects include delays in obtaining clearances from different departments, land acquisition, groundwater issues, seasonal rains, challenges in vendor and resource availability in the city, and procurement of construction material,” said Sahu.


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