the goan I network
VASCO
Traffic jams along the Cortalim circle may not be the only concern among motorists travelling between Vasco, Margao and Panaji.
Motorists have begun fearing a major landslide along the Cortalim-Panaji road near the railway overbridge, after some of them have witnessed mud and small stones sliding down the hill.
A Vasco-based architect speaking on condition of anonymity, said he was travelling along the route when stones started to fall on the road.
“This is a dangerous situation as the hill has been collapsing slowly but surely. If a major landslide takes place, there could be a tragedy. It could also close the road connection between north and south Goa for several days, while the landslide is being cleared.”
“If the government and the bridge contractor don’t take remedial measures quickly, the hill is likely to collapse within a week,” said the architect.
Another motorist, Mahesh Lamani, said mud had begun falling on the shed constructed but could slide on the road any day. “I wonder why the government is silent with the contractor. The roads are not done, the drainages are not done, the dust is not controlled and the hills are cut dangerously. I have even seen some labourers at work without safety gear,” said Lamani.
Added another motorist John D’Souza: “I travel everyday between Margao and Panaji and on Tuesday evening, there was concern and talks of a landline.” “Some people claim that trees on the hill have uprooted and are waiting to fall down. We hope the opposition will raise the issue in the assembly and take the contractor to task and force him to take immediate remedial measures,” said D’Souza.
When contacted, a source in the Vasco Traffic Cell confirmed that traffic was streamlined on Tuesday following a mudslide along the hill in Cortalim.
“A landslide did occur on Tuesday and mud and small stones have been falling from the hill. We had diverted traffic to a single lane for safety.
“As of now, the situation is OK and if mud starts falling again, we will make a single lane again,” said the source.
