VASCO
Several residents of Hollant-Issorcim area led by former Velsao sarpanch Lawrence Rodrigues on Monday appealed to the government to intervene and immediately repair the retaining wall which collapsed during cyclone Tauktae.
Residents claimed that there had been soil erosion after the retaining wall had collapsed and many coconut trees had uprooted in the area.
They claimed the traditional pathway was also damaged along with the retaining wall, forcing people to use the railway tracks, instead of the pathway.
They also feared that many houses along the scenic beach, which is also a tourist spot, could be washed away if the retaining wall is not repaired on priority.
Former Velsao sarpanch Lawrence Rodrigues told reporters that no official had bothered to visit the site and initiate work to restore the retaining wall.
"The cyclone damaged the retaining wall in May. We have a lot of houses and historical monuments built during the Portuguese era.”
“We also have a traditional pathway which has been damaged along with the retaining wall, forcing people to use the railway tracks, instead of the pathway, which is very dangerous.”
“People are now forced to cement areas around their houses at their own cost for the fear of their structures being washed away," said Rodrigues.
“We urge authorities to intervene and take up works on this retaining wall immediately,” he added.
When contacted, local ward panch, Nandita Dayal, said the incident had been reported to the state disaster management authorities and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha, who is already following up on the matter.
“The Cortalim MLA visited the site on May 18 and subsequently took up the issue with authorities. I can assure you that quick action will be taken as this issue has been reported to all authorities, who have assured that all required action and remedial measures will be taken very soon," said Dayal.
