PANAJI
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has announced the utilisation of 25 metres of private land on both sides of the NH-66 cut section at Malpe for slope stabilisation after the recent landslide. The route is likely to reopen for traffic by September 30.
The MoRTH officials who inspected the landslide site stated that machinery is currently deployed to clear the carriageway and its completion is expected by August 31. Subsequently, the slope stabilisation through benching will be undertaken and completion is expected by September 30 after which the closed carriageway will be reopened to traffic.
“With the assistance of the State government, an additional 25-metre-wide private land on both sides of the cut section is being utilised to carry out benching for slope stabilisation. Presently, machinery is deployed to clear the carriageway which is likely to be completed by August 31. Thereafter, work of slope stabilisation in the form of benching will be taken up and completed by September 30 and the closed carriageway will be opened for traffic,” it stated.
The landslide that occurred on July 7 due to unprecedented rainfall, prompted immediate inspection by MoRTH officials. The vehicular traffic was temporarily suspended and diverted along the old road.
The ministry officials further observed that during the initial construction phase, proper benching of the cut slope was not feasible due to land constraints. Therefore, the retaining wall of 5-6-metre height was constructed at a length of 270 metres on both sides for its protection.
The IIT Bombay was approached for the study during which its experts recommended remedial measures such as clearing debris, securing hanging boulders and improving drainage at the top of the cut slopes to prevent further deterioration.
However, incessant heavy rainfall complicated debris removal, which required the acquisition of additional land for effective slope stabilisation. The MoRTH reiterated that the additional land is now being used to prevent further landslides on this route, with machinery already deployed to clear the carriageway.
“Immediate clearing of the debris was attempted, but due to incessant rains, it led to further slides. Hence, it was decided to acquire additional land so that slopes can be stabilised with proper benching,” the ministry stated.
