PANJIM, Feb. 9 -- Team Herald

The Smart City works in the State's capital continue to be carried out in the most haphazard manner. Barely a week after a main water pipeline burst at Bhatlem, causing severe flooding in the area, a major disaster was averted on Sunday after a gas pipeline belonging to Goa Natural Gas Pvt Limited was allegedly damaged by the workers, while carrying out sewerage works near a temple in the area, disrupting gas supply to 4,000 houses.

The incident took place at around 4.30 pm when sewerage work was underway using earthmoving machinery.

According to locals, the workers had no idea that there was a gas pipeline passing through. Officials of Panjim Police and Fire Station visited the spot.

Speaking to reporter...