PANAJI: Under the Smart City Initiative, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has undertaken significant efforts to modernize and expand Panaji’s sewerage network, ensuring improved sanitation, environmental sustainability and better urban living conditions. Among the key focus areas, Bhatlem has witnessed remarkable progress in its sewerage connectivity and infrastructure development. This initiative is addressing longstanding issues of open discharge, lack of sewer connectivity and improper waste disposal, which have been causing environmental hazards and health concerns for the local population.
Before the implementation of this Smart City sewerage project, in the absence of a well-integrated sewer network, wastewater and sewage from households were being discharged into open areas and nearby fields, posing a serious health risk to residents and contaminating the local environment. During the monsoon season, the situation worsened, with stagnant wastewater mixing with rainwater, causing foul odour, mosquito breeding, and a high risk of waterborne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and cholera. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, IPSCDL, under the Smart Cities Mission, initiated an extensive sewerage upgrade in Bhatlem with a focus on sustainable urban development ensuring long-term efficiency and durability.
The ongoing sewerage work in Bhatlem spans a 600-meter network covering critical residential zones, primarily from Rajdeep Anandi Residency to Pumping Station 10 (Behind Ram Mandir). This work involves the excavation, installation and interconnection of manholes (MH) and sewer lines, ensuring seamless waste disposal and eliminating open discharge issues. Work is progressing in phases, with multiple manholes and interconnections scheduled for completion much before the deadline date of 31st March 2025.
The first phase of work, which began on January 16, 2025, included the construction of 10 new manholes, followed by 26 house connections. This phase was completed on January 29, 2025.
The second phase started on January 30, 2025, consisting of the construction of 5 new manholes and 14 house connections. It is set to be completed by March 17, 2025.
One of the most significant upgrade in this project has been the replacement of outdated Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes, which were prone to breakage, corrosion and leakage, with High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes. The previous AC pipes, ranging from 200mm to 250mm in diameter, have been replaced with HDPE pipes, which now range from 200mm to 450mm in diameter, significantly enhancing the sewerage network’s capacity, durability and efficiency. HDPE pipes offer superior flexibility, resistance to chemical reactions and a longer service life with minimal maintenance. Additionally, these pipes have been installed using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) trenchless technology, minimizing surface disruption and reducing the need for extensive excavation, which is particularly beneficial in densely populated urban areas.
The newly constructed manholes have been designed with reduced depths from 7 meters to 5.5 meters, allowing for easier maintenance and cleaning.
The sewerage network connectivity from Rajdeep Anandi Residency to Pumping Station 10 is progressing steadily, with 11 manholes constructed and 5 more under construction. Out of 40 , 26 house connections pipes are laid and other 14 are in progress . Similarly, the Madhuban Circle to India Café stretch has seen 7 manholes constructed, 2 interconnections completed and 13 house connection pipes laid. The road leading to Taleigao from Bhatlem has 16 manholes completed, 2 interconnections finished and 7 house connection provided.