On July 8, 2024, Panaji received its highest recorded rainfall of 360.8 mm, yet the Mala, Portais, and Fontainhas areas remained flood-free
Efficient Water Evacuation: On July 8, 2024, 160,000 cubic meters of stormwater were evacuated from Mala, equivalent to 64 Olympic-sized swimming pools, preventing flooding.
Advanced Pumping Station: A pumping station with five high-capacity pumps was installed at Mala under the Smart City Mission, costing Rs. 14.20 crore. The station operates 24/7 with two 320 KVA Gensets, ensuring functionality even during power failures.
Effective Drainage Management: Enhanced drainage systems, including cleaning, desilting, and constructing new drains, have improved water flow and reduced waterlogging risks. Real-time monitoring systems for rainfall, water levels, and tide timings enable swift decision-making.
Mala Lake Desilting: 29,460 cubic meters of silt were removed from Mala Lake, significantly improving its water retention capacity. Three sluice gates were installed to manage water flow between Mala Lake and Ourem Creek during heavy rains.
Future Plans: IPSCDL and WRD aim to develop the Mala Lake area and pumping station into a Hydrology Study Centre, attracting interest from students and the public.
Visible Impact: The success of these measures is evident as the previously flood-prone Mala area has remained flood-free, demonstrating the effectiveness of Panaji’s Smart City initiatives.
