Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar on Tuesday morning carried out a joint inspection of the retaining wall constructed near the double tracking site at Shantinagar, along with officials and engineers from the Railways. Following the inspection, Salkar requested the railway authorities to construct a storm water drain to ensure the systematic flow of water in the area and to prevent potential structural damage to nearby houses.
Speaking to reporters, Salkar stated that residents had raised serious concerns about water logging in the area and the possible collapse of their houses due to seepage and lack of drainage.
“We had a joint inspection with Railway officials at Shantinagar after locals expressed fears about water stagnation near the newly built retaining wall. The wall currently blocks the natural flow of water, and residents feared that water could seep into existing cracks, further weakening the structure and potentially endangering their homes,” said Salkar.
He explained that the Railways had constructed a retaining wall along the entire stretch of the track, but additional reinforcement was required near the houses to ensure safety. “Two houses in the vicinity had weak foundations and their walls collapsed during the wall construction. We have agreed to rebuild those walls, but we also wanted to assess whether there are any other vulnerable structures in the area,” he added.
Salkar highlighted the urgency of the situation with the monsoon approaching. “The rocks on the hillside have softened due to continuous water absorption, and several houses lack proper outlets or drains for water discharge. This creates a high risk of structural failure,” he warned.
As a preventive measure, the MLA has urged the Railway authorities to construct a storm water drain and connect it to the existing gutter network. “This will ensure that both rainwater and household water are channeled properly, reducing the risk of water accumulation and structural damage,” he said.
