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IPSCDL Celebrates World Environment Day with Tree Plantation Drive at Upcoming Pedestrian Walkway in Panaji

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Panaji, 6th June 2025 — As part of its commitment to sustainable urban development, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Ltd. (IPSCDL) marked World Environment Day with a tree plantation drive at the site of its upcoming pedestrian walkway project located behind the Spaces Building in Patto, Panaji.

This green initiative brings together environmental action, community participation, and smart city planning—demonstrating how urban infrastructure can blend ecological consciousness with functionality.

🌳 Leading by Example: Officials and Experts Join the Drive

The event was graced by Mr. Sandip Jacques, IAS, CEO & MD of IPSCDL, who, along with Mr. Pankaj Rane, Officer on Special Duty (OSD), and renowned environmental expert Mr. Miguel Braganza, led the tree planting efforts. Also present was celebrated architect Mr. Gerard Da Cunha, whose expertise has shaped several key urban projects across Goa.

Members of the IPSCDL project team actively participated, reflecting the organization’s hands-on approach to building a greener, smarter Panaji.

🌿 Youth Engagement: Students Take the Lead

To engage the next generation in environmental responsibility, IPSCDL invited students from People’s High School, Panaji, and Mary Immaculate High School, Panaji. The students enthusiastically took part in the tree planting, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and pride in contributing to the city’s transformation.

As part of the educational aspect of the event, Mr. Miguel Braganza interacted with the students, explaining the ecological and medicinal significance of the tree species being planted.

🌳 Tree Species with Purpose

A variety of native and environmentally significant trees were selected for the plantation, including:

  • Cassia Fistula (Golden Shower Tree) – Known for its striking yellow flowers and medicinal properties
  • Peltophorum (Copperpod) – A fast-growing shade tree ideal for urban spaces
  • Lagerstroemia speciosa (Pride of India) – Adds beauty and resilience to city landscapes
  • Grewia Robusta – A lesser-known species that supports local biodiversity
  • Terminalia Chebula (Haritaki) – Renowned in Ayurvedic medicine for its healing properties
  • Terminalia Catappa (Indian Almond) – Offers broad shade and supports soil health

Mr. Braganza emphasized that these trees would not only enhance the visual appeal of the walkway but also improve air quality, support pollinators, and create a cooler, pedestrian-friendly microclimate in the area.

🌇 Greening the Smart City Vision

This plantation drive forms a part of IPSCDL’s broader efforts to integrate green infrastructure into smart city planning. The upcoming pedestrian walkway is designed not just for movement, but for community interaction, environmental consciousness, and urban aesthetics.

By prioritizing native trees, student involvement, and expert guidance, IPSCDL is setting a model for sustainable urban design that puts people and the planet first.

This World Environment Day, Panaji moves one step closer to becoming a greener, smarter, and more livable city.

#TravelwithAllycaral 👒

Panaji’s Urban Makeover Gets a Green Touch with Recycled Plastic Benches

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Panaji, May 30, 2025 — In a forward-thinking step toward sustainable urban transformation, Imagine Panaji Smart City Development Limited (IPSCDL) has unveiled an innovative green initiative—the installation of 11 recycled plastic benches at a newly developed public space near the National Theatre–Café Bhosle. This project is part of the broader revitalization of TB Cunha Road, an iconic heritage corridor in Panaji, being reimagined as a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally responsible urban zone.

The benches, created in collaboration with the OneEarth Foundation, represent IPSCDL’s commitment to circular economy practices. Instead of discarding plastic waste, the project transforms it into durable and functional public infrastructure. Each bench—officially named the Solid Plain Bench—is crafted from 41 kilograms of recycled plastic, primarily sourced from commonly discarded single-use items such as plastic bags and packaging films.

The design of the benches is both practical and sturdy. Measuring 5 feet in length, 3 feet in depth and height, and with a sitting height of 17 inches, each bench comfortably accommodates up to three people. Structurally reinforced with Mild Steel (MS) pipe bases and secured with four fastening points, these benches are built to withstand both weather and time while offering a sustainable seating option to citizens and tourists alike.

“This project is more than just the installation of public seating,” said a senior official from IPSCDL. “It is a conscious step toward creating a model of sustainability, where waste is seen as a resource. We are making urban spaces not only more comfortable and inclusive but also environmentally responsible.”

These benches serve a dual purpose: they provide practical seating for the community and visitors while also acting as visual reminders of the power of sustainable choices. As part of India’s broader Swachh Bharat (Clean India) and Smart Cities Missions, the initiative supports national goals for waste reduction, environmental awareness, and sustainable urban development.

The IPSCDL has expressed interest in scaling this initiative city-wide, using the installation as a pilot model. If replicated across other public areas, it could significantly reduce plastic waste in Panaji while promoting greener, smarter city infrastructure.

By blending heritage restoration with environmental innovation, Panaji is paving the way for urban design that’s not only functional and aesthetic—but also deeply responsible.