Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Admitting a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on Smart City works in Panaji, the High Court of Bombay at Goa today sought detailed report on measures taken by authorities to curb dust pollution and ensure safety of citizens.
During the hearing, the HC questioned the state government on measures taken to curb the dust pollution and ensure safety of citizens.
The state government informed the HC that 35 Smart City works in Panaji were completed and 12 were in progress.
“The works are going on and will be completed by May 31; the issue will be solved,” Government to HC
The High Court has adjourned the matter for Wednesday.
Petitioners pointed out to the potential health hazards caused due to digging and failure to undertake measures to curb or control the dust pollution caused by the various roads and other infrastructure works across the capital city.
The petitioners also stated that the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) had not conducted the assessment study of the impact of the large scale road construction and infrastructural works.
“Works undertaken simultaneously in high density residential and commercial areas within the limits of Panaji amounting to neglect of public health and safety,” they said
The petitioners claimed that neither the contractor nor Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) had embraced chemical technologies or truck-mounted mechanical sweepers/vacuum cleaners for routine street sweeping.
Another petitioner said that ongoing construction has left Panaji in an unprecedented state of chaos for the past two years.
They also contended that if it is not strictly regulated, this situation is likely to haunt the city’s residents and visitors for many more months to come.
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