The new sewerage line connecting to the St Inez Sewerage Treatment Plant in Panaji has not yet been put into active service, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) stated that the line is currently undergoing essential cleaning and routine maintenance procedures.
Clarification on Water Overflow Sightings
In response to public observations, the agency addressed concerns about water seen near manholes. IPSCDL clarified that this water should not be mistaken for raw sewage overflow. The visible activity is a standard part of the cleaning and commissioning process for the newly laid sewerage network.
Eduardo Pereira, the Chief General Manager at IPSCDL, provided strong assurances regarding public health and safety. "There is absolutely no sewage overflow crisis in Panaji and no risk of any kind to the city’s potable water supply due to the ongoing sewerage works," Pereira stated. He emphasized that all activities are being executed under systematic, controlled, and technical supervision, strictly adhering to established engineering standards and protocols.
Smart City Infrastructure Upgrades
This development is a key component of the central government's Smart City Mission. Under this initiative, IPSCDL has been tasked with a significant upgrade of the state capital's sanitation infrastructure. The project has involved extensive sewerage works across central Panaji and its peripheral areas.
The project has seen notable technical achievements, including the laying of a 900-meter sewer line in the Altinho area using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology. This method minimizes surface disruption. Furthermore, critical stretches of the network, such as the section from Madhuban Circle to India Cafe, have been successfully completed.
Systematic Execution and Public Assurance
The ongoing work represents the final stages before the new system becomes fully operational. The clarification from IPSCDL aims to prevent public alarm and misinformation, distinguishing between routine maintenance activities and an actual system failure. The agency's statement underscores its commitment to a methodical and transparent approach to urban infrastructure development in Panaji.
