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.
