I am glad that great minds in contemporary architecture and town planning are coming together to discuss how Panjim can be changed into a world class city. In my humble thinking, the Mandovipresents a great opportunity to develop unique urban entertainment spaces, on either side of theriver. I have seen how a derelict abandoned and rat infested old harbor area of the City of Baltimore, in the USA, replete with trash dumps and homeless people was changed into a magnet for city dwellers called "Harbor Place" where folks take a stroll, shop and eat at the finest restaurants., All development does not need Govt. financing. Thinking " out of the box" and involving NGOs and corporates in developing such a space will attract both local and foreign tourists . Planning must be comprehensive and forward thinking and include additional traffic lanes that provide seamless entry and parking structures to accommodate future growth I envision space being created by creating an embankment over the Mandovi..Imagine an urban promenade on the banks of the Mandovi Funding should come from the Private sector while planning must involve the city fathers of Panjim. Politicians should not set road blocks in order to get bribes The entire project could be funded with private equity bonds, with a revenue stream generated by the businesses that will occupy the area. There are sure to be tax revenuesfor the city from the additional business that is generated.
