Desilting, cleaning of St Inez creek nears completion

Panaji: The cleaning and desilting of St Inez creek is nearing completion, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd (IPSCDL) said on Friday.

The water resources department has been carrying out the desilting of a 3.5km-long stretch of the creek from Camrabhat to the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) complex since Nov 2021 as part of the ‘Rejuvenation of St Inez nullah—development and improvement to hydrodynamics, water quality and stabilisation of banks’ project, executed under the Smart City Mission. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 38 crore.

The IPSCDL said that approximately 71,000 cu m of debris, silt and sand from the creek is being removed.

While desilting the creek, the WRD has repaired and increased the height of the retaining walls, wherever required, to prevent flooding during monsoon, particularly in Camrabhat and nearby areas. Installation of aerators in the polluted St Inez creek to improve its water quality is also one of the components of the project.

A senior IPSCDL official said, “The cleaning and desilting of St Inez creek along with other aspects will form a crucial part of our ongoing efforts to prepare for the monsoon season.”