Goemkarponn desk
Panaji:
Recently, residents of Panaji have taken legal recourse to address concerns regarding dust pollution arising from ongoing Smart City projects in the capital city. Two separate Public Interest Litigation (PIL) writ petitions have been filed, highlighting the potential health hazards associated with the construction activities.
These petitions emphasize the urgent need for measures to mitigate the adverse effects of dust pollution on public health and safety. The matter was brought before the Hon. High Court of Bombay at Panjim on Tuesday, March 26, underscoring the pressing need for action to resolve this issue.
Despite efforts by Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) to mitigate dust pollution, recent developments have seen IPSCDL reinforce existing measures.
While IPSCDL implemented various strategies, it is exploring alternative solutions to address the persistent issue of dust pollution. These solutions encompass a range of measures aimed at enhancing dust control and ensuring the well-being of residents and workers involved in the Smart City projects. These proposed measures were submitted to the High Court for consideration and approval.
To address dust pollution, IPSDCL and the contracted agencies like M/s Bagkiya, M/s MVR and M/s Bansal are tasked with implementing various measures.
Firstly, water sprinkling is conducted twice daily in construction zones, with special attention given to areas where dust generation is high, such as during road surface scarification and manhole excavation.
“This proactive approach helps in dampening dust and reducing its dispersion into the surrounding environment. Furthermore, IPSDCL ensures that excavated earth is safely barricaded and watered to minimize dust generation, particularly as sewerage works progress, currently standing at 85% completion,” the IPSCDL said in a statement.
In addition to water sprinkling, IPSDCL introduced sweeping and hosing of roads to complement dust control efforts, starting from April 1, 2024. This strategic initiative aims to further reduce dust levels on roads, especially in areas nearing completion of construction works. Moreover, IPSDCL is collaborating with executing departments like PWD and GSUDA to address traffic management concerns ascending from construction activities.
To ensure road safety and minimize inconvenience to the public, IPSDCL and its contracted agencies has taken several traffic management measures. These include providing adequate signage at work sites with to alert commuters about road closures and diversions. Phased road closures are implemented to facilitate ongoing work while maintaining traffic flow, with alternate access routes provided for commuters where possible, it said.
Additionally, traffic marshals are deployed at work sites to assist commuters and ensure smooth traffic movement.
Also, excavated pits are surrounded by barricades, and luminescent devices are installed to enhance visibility, especially during night-time work. IPSDCL also mandates that contracted agencies adhere to strict safety protocols outlined in their contracts, ensuring the well-being of all individuals involved in construction activities. Through these concerted efforts, IPSDCL aims to not only mitigate dust pollution but also ensure the safety and convenience of all stakeholders impacted by construction works.
A top official of IPSCDL said, “We recognize the concerns raised by the citizens of Panjim regarding dust pollution from ongoing Smart City projects. At IPSCDL, we are committed to addressing these concerns and ensuring the well-being of our residents and workers. While our initial efforts to mitigate dust pollution have been implemented, recent developments have highlighted the need for additional measures. Therefore, we have proposed a range of solutions aimed at enhancing dust control and promoting the safety of all stakeholders involved in the Smart City projects. We remain dedicated to working closely on implementing directions of the Hon. High Court and other relevant authorities including the Goa State Pollution Control Board to implement these measures effectively and uphold our commitment to sustainable urban development.
