Kerya locals fear collapse of highway; demand flyover

Team Herald

PONDA: Fearing the reinforced earth (RE) wall of the elevated four-lane National Highway in their village might collapse, the villagers of Kerya-Khandepar have demanded a flyover in their area.

The concerned locals and officials of National Highways Authority (NHAI) of India and Public Works Department jointly inspected the RE-wall constructed using concrete panels, on Thursday. During the inspection, the locals expressed fear that since the height of the RE-wall is 14-metre, it might collapse and cause major disaster.

After the inspection, the villagers said that there was no provision in the elevated road for flow of rain water that gushes down from the nearby hill. Therefore, the heavy flow of rainwater, in course of time, might weaken the RE-wall and consequently cause its collapse.

The locals claimed that earlier they were promised flyover, but later the NHAI authorities changed their mind and preferred to landfill the valley by cutting the hills here only to minimise the cost. 

But by doing so, the villagers alleged, the authorities have not only destroyed the hills but also put the lives of the people living in the area in danger.

Later addressing the media, Rocky Dias, a local, and Abeejeet Prabudesai of Rainbow Warriors said that due to its very height, the elevated National Highway has become a threat to their lives the people living in the area.

The locals alleged that the authorities failed to provide access across the elevated road. “In the absence of provision for service road and bus stop, the villager residing at Kerya will not able to cross the road and will have to travel 4 km extra to reach to their houses,” Dias said.

Meanwhile, the consultant who constructed wall said that it is hundred percent safe. He said that a 40-meter RE-wall has been constructed at a place in Andhra Pradesh. 

Not convinced with the assurance and example of the consultant, the locals questioned him whether such walls are capable of withstanding the heavy rains in Goa. To which, the consultant could not give a satisfactorily reply. Therefore, the locals have decided to meet the chief engineer of NHAI to press for their demand of flyover.