Landslide along Varunapuri highway endangers crematorium, cemeteries

THE GOAN NETWORK | AUGUST 25, 2024, 12:55 AM IST

VASCO
The landslide along the four-lane port connectivity Varunapuri-Sada highway has endangered a Hindu crematorium, Christian cemetery and a Muslim Kabrastan, all located above the hill.

“There is a huge and a deep crack that has developed on the hill and there could be another landslide anytime and it could endanger the Hindu crematorium, Christian cemetery and the Muslim Kabrastan above the hill,” said Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar.

“The Christian cemetery is closest to the landslide area and I have asked those managing the Christian cemetery to vacate any staff working there for their own safety and to remove any stuff there, because the hill is in a precarious position and the Christian cemetery can come down in case of another landslide,” said Amonkar.

Another local feared that another major landslide could bring down the Christian cemetery along with the Hindu crematorium and Muslim Kabrastan located close to each other.

MLA to hold joint inspection for solution

VASCO: Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar said he would convene a joint meeting of departments concerned to arrive at a permanent solution to landslides along the busy highway.

Amonkar, who visited the landslide site along the Varunapuri-Sada highway to take stock of the situation, also directed the authorities to close down the road at night between 12 am and 6 am to prevent any dangers to unsuspecting motorists.

“Officials of PWD, highway, Dy Collector’s office and police have visited the site. I will convene joint site inspection of the entire area and a meeting with departments concerned to work out a permanent solution on top priority,” said Amonkar. “I request public and motorists not to use this road till monsoons are over because we can see water flowing from the deep huge crack that is formed after the landslide and the hill is in a precarious position.”