Team Herald
MARGAO: Curtorim villagers on Thursday demanded immediate action on a collapsed retaining wall endangering a key access route.
The retaining mud wall alongside the main road to Curtorim village market and beyond collapsed on the night of October 16, posing severe risks to villagers and commuters.
This crucial road is a lifeline for villagers from Curtorim, Macazana, Guirdolim, Chandor, and beyond, serving as a primary route to Margao for thousands of vehicles daily. In addition, the wall acts as a bund to retain water in the adjacent lake, essential for irrigating the paddy fields that support local agriculture.
Recognising the immediate threat posed by the collapsed wall and the risk of further damage due to water seepage, Curtorim’s villagers and farmers quickly released the lake water to prevent additional strain on the structure.
Speaking to reporters, engineer Roque Mascarenhas said that despite the gravity of the situation, government authorities have done little beyond cordoning off the affected area.
“The Public Works Department (PWD), though fully aware of the potential hazards, has yet to initiate any repair work, leaving the community vulnerable to further collapse and disruption,” he stated.
He added that in light of this inaction, Curtorim villagers will make a formal representation to PWD authorities tomorrow, urging them to expedite repairs and restore the wall.