Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: A fresh landslide along the Sada–Mormugao Harbour road on Sunday evening has once again raised serious concerns over the stability of the hillside, with Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar assuring that immediate steps will be taken to ensure commuter safety and prevent further mishaps.
Expressing concern over the latest incident, Amonkar said the stretch remains highly vulnerable to additional landslides and warned that any delay in carrying out corrective measures could endanger lives. He noted that the road serves as a crucial link between Sada and Mormugao Harbour, and any major collapse could severely disrupt connectivity.
Amonkar said the road improvement project was initiated following a proposal by the Mormugao Port Authority in connection with the upcoming cruise terminal. He recalled opposing the original proposal after learning that permission had been granted to fell around 550 trees.
“I took up the matter with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant and personally briefed him on the large-scale tree cutting. Following discussions, it was decided that the road would not be widened extensively and the number of trees to be cut was reduced to only 38,” Amonkar said.
The MLA said he had conducted three site inspections and repeatedly highlighted the slow pace of work and poor execution by the contractor. Although the project remained suspended for nearly six months, it later resumed after a joint meeting with the Public Works Department (PWD).
“The contractor had assured that the work would be completed before the monsoon, but that did not happen. The earlier landslide claimed one life, and now another fresh landslide has occurred,” he said.
Amonkar further stated that he recently inspected the site along with the PWD Minister, who has convened a meeting to determine the next course of action. He added that an FIR had earlier been registered against the contractor and that the South Goa Collector had also issued directions following the previous landslide.
“The contractor should start working, but he is making vague excuses and not executing the works. We are working on an immediate action plan. The safety of the public is our top priority, and I am confident the Government will resolve the issue on priority,” Amonkar said.
