Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In the coastal city of Panaji, India, the Smart City Development project has hit several roadblocks, primarily due to unfavourable weather conditions and the city’s unique geological profile. Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL), the entity overseeing the project, has cited heavy rainfall, early monsoons, and a high water table as key factors contributing to the delays.
The construction of sewage and road infrastructure has been particularly affected, with the sandy soil and frequent rainfall making excavation a challenging task. To mitigate the impact on daily life, temporarily restored roadways have been made operational to alleviate traffic congestion. Work on the project resumed in November 2024, after the monsoon season subsided.
The Smart City Mission timeline has been extended to March 2025, with the completion of road construction and landscaping, including tree planting, scheduled for June 2025. According to IPSCDL, Panaji’s location below sea level, combined with rising sea levels due to climate change, further complicates the construction process.
