The capital city of every state, apart from being the center of all administrative activity, is also the face of the state. Panjim, known to be the city of educated Goans, was meeting the standards when the City Corporation of Panjim was established. Taxes paid by citizens to the corporation are expected to be utilized judiciously so that people who live or work in the city get direct benefits.
Under Ashok Naik as mayor, the city had witnessed rapid development in terms of infrastructure which coincided with the excellent organization of Goa's first International Film Festival. Prior to that Panjim had seen successful citizens' intiatives like Together for Panjim and Chaka Chak Panjim. The corporation had the focussed agenda: to facilitate the lives of citizens. From shopping for groceries to commuting within the city, to enjoying a pleasant evening in the park, every aspect was improved. The city had previously witnessed health issues due to piling garbage. The corporation made a successful attempt at making the city garbage-free. In an attempt at decongestion, government offices had been shifted close to the KTC bus stand. The roads in the city got a major facelift. The market complex gave a completely new and disciplined experience to consumers. All these activities had the backing of the then CM Manohar Parrikar. Panjim had taken the looks of a modern and clean city. The first IFFI took Panaji to the world map with a successful execution. Not everything can be achieved in a single term.
Unfortunately all this was short-lived. When the CCP was taken over by another panel, Panaji began losing its sheen gradually. Scams after scams were being revealed as the focus of some vested interests was only towards making money. Every street is littered. People have a tough time finding parking space. Motorists face tremendous driving pressure due to growing traffic. Little is being done to improve public transport. A single shower of rain gets all roads potholed. People in all localities complain about water shortage. Why are irresponsible corporators managing our city? Did we the educated residents of Panaji elect them or were they elected by a vote bank for whom gifts from candidates mean more than a beautiful city? No wonder just like Margao, Panaji has started seeing slums in many areas. We Goans are losing our city and it is time for us to get our act together to be in control. It is our hands to stop the degradation of a city that has the potential to be a model for the entire country.
The role of an elected civic body is to ensure comfort and well being of the city. When hard-earned taxpayer's money is used for personal benefits, the end result is gross mismanagement of the city further resulting in hardships to citizens in terms of congestion, lack of space, littered streets, clogged drainage and increased taxes. It is high time Panjimites stand for protecting their city. It is in our hands to decide whether we want to go back to being a modern city or continue to face hardships we have been facing for the last five years.
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