Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: A fresh confrontation has erupted between Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over the retaining wall project along the Sada Highway, with the MLA openly questioning the safety of the structure and warning of public agitation against the authorities.
During a joint inspection conducted on Thursday along with the Additional Collector and other officials, Amonkar expressed strong dissatisfaction over the condition and execution of the retaining wall works, alleging that the highway stretch had been opened for traffic even before the mandatory safety report and completion certificate were furnished. The inspection was carried out in the wake of growing public concern over the stability of the retaining wall, especially after recent rains triggered fears among local residents and commuters using the busy highway stretch daily.
Amonkar stated that he was not convinced about the safety standards followed in the project and accused the authorities of rushing to reopen the road despite unresolved technical and safety concerns. He maintained that commuters’ lives could not be put at risk merely to speed up project completion.
Targeting NHAI Project Director Christopher Furtado, the MLA warned that the official would be held directly responsible in the event of any mishap or disaster arising out of the retaining wall works. Amonkar said the situation had triggered anger among local residents, many of whom have been demanding accountability from the NHAI over what they described as “shabby and dangerous” execution of works at the site.
The MLA further cautioned that a law-and-order situation could arise as locals are now planning to stage a morcha to the NHAI office at Sada to question officials over the project. He said residents have repeatedly raised concerns over the quality of work and safety measures but alleged that these concerns were ignored by the NHAI authorities.
The retaining wall project at Sada Highway has remained under public scrutiny, particularly after sections of the area witnessed landslides and soil erosion during the previous monsoon period, disrupting traffic movement and raising safety fears among commuters.
