THE GOAN NETWORK
BICHOLIM
A rider had a narrow escape while traffic was disrupted on Thursday following a landslide on the newly inaugurated Bicholim bypass.
The landslide disrupted traffic along one side of the bypass between Valshi and Vathadev, which was inaugurated on June 6. A two-wheeler rider narrowly missed the landslide.
Bicholim MLA Dr Chandrakant Shetye later visited the site to take stock of the situation and took the contractor and supervisors to task and warned them not to play with the lives of people.
Later speaking to reporters at the site, Dr Shetye voiced displeasure that the landslide had taken place on the newly inaugurated Bicholim bypass.
“I had raised concerns about the cracks on the hill and a possible landslide and had even alerted officials. It should have been the duty of officials to ensure maximum precaution when the cracks had developed on the hill. But instead, they allowed these dangerous cracks to remain and the bypass was inaugurated after they claimed that the road was safe,” said Dr Shetye.
“Fortunately, even though a major accident was averted, motorists will be afraid to travel along that stretch.”
Dr Shetye assured to follow up the matter and ensure that the route is safe and secure for motorists and commuters.
Mayem MLA Premendra Shet also inspected the site and said that the traffic on one side should be closed until the area is completely secured.
Bicholim Municipal Council Chairperson Kundan Falari and councillors also inspected the site.
