Activist Sanjay Barde staged an innovative protest on Thursday by placing bamboos along a damaged retaining wall on the Malpe bypass stretch of National Highway 66 (NH-66), drawing attention to the poor construction quality by the Public Works Department (PWD). The symbolic use of bamboos was meant to highlight the fragility and vulnerability of the wall, which has faced multiple collapses over the past two years due to alleged substandard work by government engineers.
Barde criticized the government for its continued inaction, despite repeated warnings and visible structural distress. The retaining wall, constructed using interlocking cement blocks rather than more reliable precast structures, has repeatedly shown signs of weakness, with cracks, partial collapses, and erosion creating serious safety risks for commuters.
One recent collapse temporarily halted traffic and reignited concerns over engineering failures and lack of accountability. Local residents, engineers, and activists have long raised red flags about the poor materials and construction practices used. They are demanding a complete overhaul of the wall with durable, high-quality solutions to ensure the long-term stability of the highway stretch.
The protest also reflects the broader frustration with the PWD’s slow response and lack of urgency in addressing these infrastructural threats. While some officials continue to defend the wall’s integrity, public trust is eroding, especially as incidents mount without transparent investigations or lasting solutions.
Sanjay Barde’s protest has sparked renewed calls for action, urging the government to prioritize safety and adopt stricter quality control measures in road construction. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater oversight, accountability, and civic engagement to prevent infrastructure failures and safeguard public lives on vital transport corridors like NH-66.