I am appalled to read that MoRTH is adamant on going ahead with the tender process to build the viewing towers atop the piers of the new Zuari cable-stayed bridge with a cafe/restaurant as a tourist attraction.
In this context, I wish to highlight the consequences of going ahead with this highly risky project due to the following reasons: The last severe cyclone Tauktae in May 2021 that battered the west coast of India including Goa is a testimony of the future natural calamities that are predicted to occur particularly during the annual monsoon season. Such cyclones of intense severity bring devastation to life and property, needless to mention the damage to the infrastructure. In view of the global climate change, Goa is not immune to natural disasters. From an engineering angle, I opine that the piers of the bridge should not be over-stressed with the additional weight of the viewing towers which will compromise the structural integrity of the piers of the cable stayed bridge. Imagine the scenario of an umbrella which we are unable to hold steady during a violent storm.
The State of Goa is located on the seismic fault-line. In case of earthquakes and/or high velocity cyclonic storms, the towers will in all probability topple down. In such an event, the piers of the bridge will pull down the entire stretch of the cable-stayed bridge endangering the lives of the people. I do not wish that the iconic Zuari bridge becomes a casualty of egoistic desires of a few.
The cost of building the towers can be optimally utilized for regular maintenance of the bridge post guarantee period, so that the lifespan of the bridge can be extended for a maximum period. Any iconic edifice like the Zuari bridge has to definitely outlive our generation. Since this bridge is toll-free, the PWD can bank this money, or may be develop a promenade along the banks of the river Zuari, similar to the promenade in Panjim along the Mandovi river.
Instead of executing this grandiose plan of viewing towers, the rural road network needs to be upgraded eliminating black-spots and bottle-necks wherever possible. The current fiscal situation of Goa is in dire straits due to various factors. Hence it would be imprudent to spend lavishly on this grandiose plan at the risk of the general public. Let us enjoy the beauty of nature being on terra firma instead of, from the viewing towers!
I hope MoRTH will review their decision on their risky project, and may conventional wisdom prevail.
