The heavy rains that have been lashing the State for the last four days has increased the risk of landslides in Sattari taluka and the hilly areas of Chorla Ghat along the Goa-Belagavi highway.
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VALPOI
Commuters have also expressed anger over the failure of the authorities to take measures along the road, where landslides occurred two months ago.
People from Sattari taluka, especially those living in the hilly areas, are facing inconvenience due to continuous downpour for the last four days. Almost 4 inches of rainfall was recorded in Valpoi, while 4.5 inches was recorded in the hilly region in Chorla Ghat in the last 24 hours. It is feared that this could lead to landslides in various regions of Chorla Ghat. It may be recalled that two months ago, landslides at three different locations of Chorla Ghat had blocked the Goa-Belagavi highway for about eight hours.
Speaking to The Goan, Keri-Sattari Sarpanch Laxman Gawas expressed dissatisfaction over the authorities' failure to undertake repairs along the route. "The government is earning revenue from this route as many commercial vehicles use the route to enter Goa. Many Goans also frequent Belagavi via this route. The authorities should not neglect this road as the lives of so many people could be in danger," he added.
Thane-Sattari ZP member Fati Gaonkar expressed concern over the pending repair work. "I will discuss the issue with local MLA Pratapsing Rane to speed up the matter," assured Gaonkar.
When contacted, Valpoi PWD officials said there is no temporary solution to prevent landslides. "A permanent concrete wall should be constructed to avoid landslides. However, it is not possible to undertake this during the rains," added the official.
