As you are aware, the construction of the elevated six-lane highway corridor of NH-66 in Porvorim will commence soon after the work order is issued. In this connection, I wish to bring to the attention of the concerned authorities that the RCC overhead water tank opposite O Coqueiro restaurant is in a very precarious condition.
The RCC tank as well as the supporting structures have deteriorated over the past 60 years since its construction. In fact, it has developed cracks and fissures due to the corrosion of its rebars, and due to constant vibration from the heavy vehicular traffic and elements of nature. As such, the integrity of the whole structure is in doubt, and could collapse in the future. In any case, it has outlived its lifespan, and at present, it is no longer in use.
Since the water tank is barely 5 metres from the periphery of the highway, it poses grave danger to the safety of the people and vehicular traffic plying on NH-66. As a concerned citizen having public interest in mind, I would like to point out that the water tank is a disaster in waiting, in the event of its collapse. If the demolition is not carried out prior to the construction of the elevated highway, it will be very difficult and risky to demolish it after the elevated corridor is completed. It will be pertinent to mention that a similar dilapidated RCC water tank collapsed in Vasco some years back but fortunately, there was no collateral damage and loss of life
In view of the aforesaid, I would like to impress upon the concerned officials of MoRTH to initiate steps for the removal of the RCC water tank before commencement of the work of the elevated highway in Porvorim. This will prevent a major disaster and loss of life. It is better to play safe than be sorry after a tragedy occurs.
