In past 3 years, 35km of drains rebuilt in Panaji

Panaji: In the last three years, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Corporation Limited (IPSCDL) completed the reconstruction and refurbishment of 35km of drains spread across the capital, Panaji. The reconstruction was part of a larger project that also included widening footpaths, installing parking signage, and fixing parking spots.An IPSCDL official said 16km of drains were reconstructed in the central part of the city, a 7km stretch in St. Inez, and around 12km in Ribandar. The official mentioned that older drains were made of materials that couldn’t sustain the pressure of water gushing through them.“Reinforced cement and plump concrete have been used to build new drains, enhancing durability and withstanding the force of gushing water,” he said. Factors such as vehicular movement, type of vehicles, were considered.“Although the work started in 2022, due to incessant rains, we had to halt it every six months. We could resume work only in Nov, after the water table had sufficiently reduced,” he said.The drainage work was done in key areas such as, from Panaji market to the old education department building, along Governador Pestana Road, Altinho, from church square area to DB Marg, and from Taad Maad shrine to Tonca sewerage, and was completed this year.He said the reconstruction of drains has greatly helped to prevent waterlogging in the city.