Road-works, beautification and waste management works have been taken up with right direction across the state of Goa. The G20 meetings have led to fast track works being undertaken through the Smart City (IPSCDL), Electricity Department, PWD & GWMC, stated a press release.
People’s anguish and worries will end soon, as they see the results in a matter of few days from now. Panaji which has faced major flak, is already looking pretty and ready for the G20 meetings, the first of which will take place from April 17-19.
The works undertaken by CCP, include maintenance of gardens and roadside greenery along with landscape development. The open area and median along D.B. and Dr. Jack De Sequeira roads have now been developed too. For the first time Panaji is looking green and clean, for landscape horticulturist and an architect were utilized. The signboards, hoardings in the city have been cleaned.
With litter bins being better organised, teams to handle disaster in the monsoon have been appointed too.
Personnel have been appointed as conservancy workers who will be on duty with proper uniform/fluorescent jackets. Every night there will be sweeping of roads and pavements, clearing of leaf litter, elimination of black spots should be carried out daily at regular intervals.
“Ongoing Infrastructure related works are not easy to fast track. As much as people have been put to a lot of inconvenience, the results will be seen and will benefit Goa. The last time such infrastructure related works were done was in 2003 when Goa hosted IFFI for the first time,” says Sanjit Rodrigues, Nodal Officer(G20), who was also overseeing works during IFFI in 2003.
Rodrigues adds: All the concerned departments have risen to the occasion to put the infrastructure in place for the betterment of Goa, through G20.”
The PWD too, has been extremely proactive. The quality of roads was a major concern which has now seen a major uplift, with most works already being complete. “We have strengthened and improved riding quality from Divja Circle to Old Goa and the ring road around Old Goa Church,” inform Bhushan Savaikar, OSD (Civil Works) for G20.
Improvement and bituminous topping (hotmix) for roads from K.T.C. bus stand to Miramar Circle along on D.B. Road, from Portuguese Consulate to Bhandare hospital, Alfonso Guest house to Mhamai Kamat, St. Francis Chapel to Mala spring and the all- minor roads in Fontainhas, Mala and behind main Post office upto Lawande house have been undertaken. Besides, road stretches have been improved, road dividers have been painted.
From plantation work along the medians and sides of roads, to beautifying traffic islands and circles, the authorities are working on improving the city’s infrastructure. Medians are being repaired and painted to give the city a fresh look. Roads and circles will be painted and some walls in the city will be adorned with artwork.
Roads that will be used by the dignitaries are being given special attention to ensure that they are in top condition. Main roads in the city have already been improved, and work has begun on painting medians. The authorities are confident that once the work is complete, the city will have a completely different look.
The authorities have also booked two venues, one at a multilevel car parking facility at Patto and the other at the Goa University ground, to cater to the parking needs of the meeting attendees. Goa Waste Management Corporation has taken up the work of cleaning the road sides, while Panchayats and municipal bodies have also been instructed to take up cleaning activities.
Electrical poles have been replaced wherever necessary and new fixtures installed. Bottlenecks on the road from Dona Paula to Goa University will be removed by widening the road to make travel smoother and more comfortable for the public.
In addition, the authorities are planning a heritage walk for the guests to showcase the city’s rich architecture and heritage. They want to highlight the city’s infrastructure facilities, and are confident that the guests will take back rich experiences and memories when they return back.
Other works that needed attention are improvement and channelization of traffic at KTC circle below Atal Setu, strengthening and improvement of riding quality of NH-17(New NH-66) from Sangolda Junction to Mandovi Bridge, near Dabolim airport and in places like Verna, Cansaulim and Velsao. The promenade along D. B. Marg in Coote-de-Oitero has recently undergone a facelift with the redone pavements on both sides of the road, providing a safe and comfortable walking space for pedestrians in an area with high traffic movement. The promenade not only connects the city to its heritage part but also provides stunning views of the surroundings. Additionally, a new bridge has been completed, connecting the promenade to D. B. Marg, further enhancing the accessibility of the area.
Road safety furnitures and elastomeric painting to the existing structures along the stretch from Old Goa to Merces circle have been undertaken, while crash barriers have been repaired or replaced. Now, road safety signages along the stretch NH-748 are clear and visible which a step towards reducing accidents.
Panaji’s Parking facility below the Atal Setu Bridge has been setup, which will play a huge role in decongesting the parking areas in and around Panaji city. A city which has several old building structures in city have a new look after being painted, including houses in Fontainhas, 31st January Road and nearby areas and roads in the city.
The Electricity Department have almost completed their works that were taken up since December 2022. Flawless power supply and lighting up the Panaji and other areas were the main priority. With G20 Meetings, works that needed attention are finally in place. It also means that Goa will have developed infrastructure and better power supply permanently.
The Goa government has undertaken a unique initiative to make the city look more presentable to the visiting delegates by painting the façades of heritage structures in three wards of Panjim, including São Tome, Mala, and Fontainhas.
This initiative, aimed at promoting Goa’s cultural heritage and tourism, will add vibrancy and colour to the city’s already picturesque architecture. The heritage structures in these wards, which include iconic buildings such as churches and colonial-era homes, will be painted in bright and lively colours, giving the city a fresh and welcoming look.
In addition to the heritage structures, the government has also planned to paint walls at prominent public places, such as the wall along R Emídio Garcia road leading to Fontainhas from the Panjim church, with colourful and creative artwork. These paintings will not only add to the vibrancy of the city but also create an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing the city’s rich history and culture.
The initiative is not only aimed at creating a pleasant environment for the visiting delegates but also at preserving the heritage structures in Panjim. By painting the façades, these buildings will be protected from weather damage and the elements, extending their lifespan and ensuring that they continue to be a part of Goa’s cultural heritage for years on end.
