VASCO: A sizable boulder fell onto an earthmover during double-tracking related work in Shantinagar on Tuesday afternoon. Remarkably, there were no injuries or fatalities resulting from the incident. However, reports indicate that one house collapsed, while several others suffered damage on the hillock due to the ongoing double tracking work at the base of the hill.
Fortunately, the affected houses had been evacuated well in advance of the works. Speaking to the media, Ward Councillor Shraddha Mahale stated that the affected houses were situated perilously close to the edge of the hill.
“Most of these houses were already slated for demolition and were vacated well in advance, over a year ago, as they were located within railway property,” stated Mahale.
Mahale also noted that an inspection had been conducted with MLA Krishna Salkar, urging residents to vacate the houses. “We also offered to cover half the rent for those staying on a rental basis, further incentivising swift evacuation,” Mahale added. She urged the railways to continue their work while prioritising the safety of both houses and lives in the area.