Panaji MLA Babush Monserrate Slams Gas Pipeline Plan on Newly-Laid Smart City Roads
Revenue Minister and Panaji MLA Atanasio 'Babush' Monserrate has launched a scathing critique against a proposed plan to excavate recently constructed roads and footpaths in Panaji for laying natural gas pipelines. This development comes merely months after extensive digging was conducted across the city as part of the ambitious Smart City Mission infrastructure upgrades.
Strong Objection to Fresh Excavation
In a formal letter addressed to the Chief Secretary, Monserrate expressed his strong objection to the proposed excavation work, emphasizing that the integrity of Panaji's road infrastructure and drainage systems is paramount for maintaining public safety and normal civic life. "I write to formally register my strong objection to the proposed excavation of recently constructed roads and footpaths within the city of Panaji for the purpose of laying a natural gas pipeline," the minister stated unequivocally.
Monserrate highlighted that any fresh digging of these newly laid surfaces would inevitably:
- Disturb existing drainage gradients
- Weaken structural stability of roads and footpaths
- Generate excessive dust pollution
- Severely impact residents, businesses, and public health
Concerns Over Substandard Work and Flood Risks
The minister raised serious concerns about the quality of work previously undertaken under the Smart City Mission, describing it as substandard. He warned that if authorities proceed with additional excavation in Panaji, the resulting work would likely be even more inferior in quality.
Monserrate specifically pointed to the risk of drainage system disruption, noting that "clogging of drains with sludge, silt, and debris from the excavated pits and channels will lead to disruption of existing drainage systems." This, he cautioned, would increase the likelihood of flooding and waterlogging, particularly during monsoon seasons, effectively undoing the Corporation of the City of Panaji's (CCP) successful efforts in preventing urban flooding over the past three seasons.
Accountability and Administrative Prudence
The minister's letter raises fundamental questions about administrative coordination and resource management. "Such actions, particularly on newly developed infrastructure funded by public money, also raise serious concerns regarding administrative prudence, wastage of resources, and lack of coordinated planning among government departments," Monserrate asserted.
He placed particular emphasis on accountability, stating: "I wish to place on record that in the event permission is granted and any instance of excessive dust pollution, flooding, or waterlogging arises in Panaji as a direct or indirect consequence of such excavation, the responsibility must be clearly fixed." Monserrate respectfully submitted that accountability should extend to the highest administrative level, with the Chief Secretary's office being held personally responsible for any adverse impacts resulting from approval of the excavation work.
Call for Delayed Decision-Making
Monserrate recommended that no such work should be undertaken until the new panel of the Corporation of the City of Panaji assumes charge. Once the new panel becomes functional, it should be empowered to make an informed decision regarding the proposed gas pipeline excavation.
The minister concluded his objection by stating it was made "in the larger public interest, with the expectation that due care, foresight, and responsibility will guide the decision-making process." His intervention highlights growing concerns about infrastructure planning coordination and the protection of public investments in urban development projects.
