MAPUSA
Concerns raised by locals over a possible threat from a tilted retaining wall along the NH-66 at Malpe in Pernem were put to rest by officials from the Public Works Department (National Highways).
Executive Engineer of PWD (NH), Jude Carvalho, acknowledged that the retaining wall had developed a slight tilt of about 30 mm but assured that the tilt in the wall is minor and not a structural risk.
He stated that the tilt was “insignificant” and does not pose any danger to the stability of the structure or to motorists using the busy highway.
“The tilt is primarily due to excessive hydrostatic pressure that builds up when water is not able to drain through the weep holes provided in the wall,” Carvalho explained.
“These weep holes are crucial to allow accumulated water to pass through. In this case, some of the holes had been blocked, leading to pressure build-up behind the wall,” he added.
PWD officials took swift action and cleared the blocked weep holes. “Once the weep holes were cleaned, water started gushing out, releasing the pressure. There is nothing to worry about now. The wall is structurally sound and does not pose any threat,” Carvalho clarified.
The matter gained attention earlier this week when local residents and a few activists raised an alarm, suggesting that the retaining wall could collapse during the monsoon, endangering lives.
The concerns were fuelled by memories of a major landslide that occurred in Malpe last year, which had completely blocked the highway and caused massive traffic disruptions.
Responding to the public concern, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, accompanied by engineers and the deputy collector, conducted an on-site inspection of the retaining wall.
Arlekar confirmed that the administration was prepared with contingency plans to divert traffic if any real danger emerged on the highway stretch.
With the weep holes now functioning and regular monitoring in place, officials say there is no imminent threat and urge the public not to panic.
The retaining wall was constructed as part of the highway’s protective infrastructure to prevent erosion and landslides in the hilly terrain of Malpe, an area that has previously experienced incidents during the monsoon.
