CAMPAL WORKS: PROJECT WELL STUDIED BEFORE FINALISING WORK SAYS FURTADO

PANJIM: In view of the opposition to the upcoming twin projects at the Lake View Colony and La Campala Colony, viz beautification of the lake and construction of a jogger’s park, respectively, Mr Surendra Furtado, a councillor of the Corporation of the City of Panjim, on Monday, said that those opposing the constructive activities clearly show their anti-developmental tendencies.

Mr Furtado further stated that the public works department and the department of water resources have already prepared the estimates for both these projects.

“A renowned consultant – M/s Prabhugaonkar & Associates was appointed for both these projects, so that the question of lack of planning and cost overrunning does not arise,” he said, adding, “As also these projects have been conceptualised and done with due diligence over a period of three years and all necessary procedures have been followed including obtaining the necessary NOCs.”

“In addition to passing of related resolutions by the Corporation of the City of Panjim, the CCP has also given undertaking that both these projects will be maintained by them on completion, as have been done for the other gardens in Miramar,” the senior city councillor stated.

Mr Furtado further said that sustained monitoring of all aspects relating to environmental impact have been thoroughly committed and the fears allayed by a group of people as regards a major environmental hazard has not and will not be allowed to happen.

“It is not right to underestimate though that large water bodies spread over a vast area cannot be maintained, if all the precautions are taken care of,” he stated, maintaining that the authority of the PWD, DoWR and the consultant, who has unquestioned integrity and wide experience should not be doubted.

As regards the lake beautification project, Mr Furtado questioned as to how the beautification of the lake will lead to flooding when the lake will be de-silted and the border wall constructed at a height.

“The lake water will be provided with a filter at the mouth of the lake connecting to the nullah, which will ensure the cleanliness of the water coming from the nullah,” he informed, adding that the lake will have a fountain in the middle and the water will be circulated in the lake and not allowed to stagnate.

“At no time has the lake water become stagnant and a breeding ground for mosquitoes as there is a constant in-flow and out-flow from and through the nullah at high-tide and low-tide,” the senior councillor mentioned, “Besides, the lake is also having its own natural spring and a variety of fish exist, which prevent the life-cycle of mosquito breeding from taking place.”

Informing that the lake will not be used as dumping ground as was earlier done and appropriate, strict round-the-clock vigil maintained, Mr Furtado stated that these projects are located in the internal areas of Miramar and not along the main road, and therefore, the question of hordes of tourists arriving does not arise.

In fact, the Caranzalem Park is a highly frequented area, creating a traffic menace, especially on Sundays as cars are parked on the main road due to lack of parking space, Mr Furtado observed, opining “However, as such parks are essential recreational grounds for families and their children, we have supported the same and never opposed it.”

Finally, Mr Furtado clarified, “As regards the asphalting of roads in the ward, I would like to reiterate that the same has been undertaken only on two occasions; the first time was in 2004 when the roads were in a bad condition, and the second asphalting was carried out after the roads were dug up by the various departments for laying of electrical cables, water facilities and telephone cables, and were left un-repaired making the roads un-motorable and causing hardship to the residents.” (NT)