A massive boulder came tumbling down a rain-soaked hillside and crashed onto a house at Voddant in Vasco on Tuesday. Fortunately, the occupants escaped unhurt, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by residents living near unstable slopes. Just days earlier, a major landslide along the Harbour Road claimed the life of a labourer. Following the tragedy, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat visited the site and assured the public that necessary measures would be taken to prevent similar incidents. However, within a few days, one more landslide occurred along the same stretch. Another landslide at New Vaddem recently has only added to public anxiety and underscored the widespread nature of the problem. Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about the stability of the hills in several areas of the port town. A comprehensive geological assessment of all vulnerable hillsides needs to be carried out by experts to identify unstable zones. Permanent retaining walls, effective drainage systems, and slope stabilization measures should be constructed in high-risk areas to prevent further erosion and landslides. Authorities should also establish regular monitoring of vulnerable hillsides, especially during the monsoon, and issue timely warnings whenever necessary.
ADELMO FERNANDES, Vasco
