Panaji Smart City Initiative to Expand 16-Way Waste Segregation Across 240 Housing Colonies
The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) and Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) have identified nearly 240 housing colonies across Panaji where 16-way segregation of waste can be introduced in a phased manner. This ambitious initiative is currently at the planning and preparatory stage, with implementation set to be initiated progressively, according to smart city officials.
Building on Existing Civic Commitment
City mayor Rohit Monserrate emphasized the collaborative nature of this effort, stating, "The entire process was done in collaboration with CCP. We want 100% of our colonies to move to 16-way segregation. Waste management is what they are focusing on in the Smart Cities 2.0 mission." Currently, around 35 housing colonies in the state capital are actively practicing 16-way waste segregation, with the remaining 240 housing colonies across Panaji being nudged to participate gradually.
Implementation Strategy and Infrastructure Development
Once initiated, the process will begin with joint inspections of colony premises by the implementation team to identify suitable locations for setting up segregation infrastructure. The proposed model focuses on creating dedicated waste segregation infrastructure within housing colonies, requiring an estimated area of 30 to 50 square meters, depending on waste generation.
Comprehensive training programs will be conducted for housekeeping staff, society managers, and committee members, covering waste collection, segregation, storage, and handling of various waste fractions to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. Resident welfare associations and housing societies will play a central role in fostering community ownership and compliance.
Scaling Up Under CITIIS Mission
The civic authorities aim to scale up colony-level waste management infrastructure as part of the CITIIS mission. Sandeep Jacques, managing director and chief executive officer of IPSCDL, explained, "Panaji has demonstrated strong civic commitment through CCP's existing 16-way waste segregation initiatives. Under the CITIIS programme, IPSCDL aims to build upon these efforts by scaling up colony-level infrastructure and standardising processes across a wider footprint."
He further added, "By working closely with housing societies, residents, and municipal systems, we seek to strengthen segregation at source, reduce the burden on downstream facilities, and promote a sustainable and replicable waste management framework for the city."
Behavioral Change and Digital Integration
Civic authorities want to focus on behavioral change at the neighborhood level. Residents and commercial establishments within participating colonies will be encouraged and trained to segregate waste at the source. Under the proposed purchase-based collection model, once bins or jhola bags reach capacity, society staff will inform the authorized collection team, which will schedule a pick-up.
Waste will be collected in a fully segregated manner, weighed on-site using digital weighing scales, and replaced with empty jhola bags. A digital receipt will be generated, and payments based on an approved rate card will be made directly to the society's manager or committee representative.
This comprehensive approach aims to transform waste management in Panaji, making it more efficient, sustainable, and community-driven.
