Staff Reporter

Panaji

With Panaji facing a flood-like situation following heavy unseasonal showers, the Congress on Saturday censured the government over the haphazard manner in which the works are being carried out under the Smart City project.

Following an inspection of heavily waterlogged sites, Congress leaders, including the state unit president Amit Patkar and spokesperson Sunil Kawthankar, alleged that the shoddy works and poor execution by the contractor concerned had led to the city facing the rain miseries. They raised questions over the quality of works and asked whether there was any mechanism in place for accountability.

“No assurances can be given on the quality of the works being carried out here. Now, Panaji resembles a mining site, and mismanagement and inferior quality of infrastructure works have resulted in severe flooding in just a single bout of unseasonal showers,” said Patkar. Referring to the condition of the 18th June Road, which was completely submerged, Patkar questioned whether this was how the government was planning to go about with realising the vision of a developed India by 2047.

Kawthankar, echoing similar sentiments, said a “Panaji Darshan” should be organised to display the true picture of the “Viksit India” being promoted by the ruling dispensation.

“It is even risky to walk on the roads here,” he said, urging Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to prioritise addressing the Smart City work issues over the Lok Sabha election campaign.

The party demanded immediate steps to ensure that the project meets the highest standard of quality and workmanship.

As the monsoon season approaches, the situation in Panaji has raised serious concerns among the residents. They have called for putting in place efficient drainage system to prevent waterlogging that is witnessed every year.