Team Herald
PONDA: In light of the gas pipeline rupture incident at Bhatlem in Panjim, Ponda residents have expressed concerns that a similar situation could occur at the ongoing underpass construction near the KTC bus stand.
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Locals have demanded that all the stakeholders—such as PWD, NH authorities, and the gas company should coordinate to ensure that the work is executed by adhering to all the safety measures.
On Sunday, February 9, a gas pipeline was allegedly damaged by workers carrying out the Smart City works in Bhatlem area in Panjim. A video showing the natural gas leak and workers fleeing for their lives during sewage work for the Smart City project went viral on social media and has raised concerns among locals in Ponda.
It is important to note that the four-lane widening project of NH 4A has been underway since last year, starting at the KTC bus stand in Ponda, with the underpass construction now nearing completion. However, the gas pipeline that runs along the construction route has not been relocated, despite more than 80% of the work completed.
While the underpass construction progresses, with workers engaged in tasks such as laying steel rods, preparing foundations, and conducting welding work, the gas pipeline remains an obstruction. The remaining tasks cannot proceed due to the gas line running under the shoulder of the old road. After significant excavation, the road’s mud shoulder, which has a width of about 1.5 meters and a height of around 7 meters, is still obstructed by the gas pipeline, preventing further excavation and construction. Despite this, workers continue their tasks in the immediate vicinity of the gas lines.
Naresh Naik, a local resident said, “The underpass is crucial as it will provide vehicles access to the KTC bus stand, located nearby. Given that welding is being used in the foundation and slab work, stringent safety precautions should be taken, particularly as the area is crowded. A gas leak in such a scenario could result in a devastating fire.”
Chanda Parwar, Assistant Engineer for PWD NH, stated that a joint inspection by the PWD and Goa Natural Gas Pvt. Ltd. (GNGPL) was conducted on December 18, 2024. “A letter was sent to GNGPL regarding the gas line obstructing the underpass construction. GNGPL has since responded, assuring that safety measures will be implemented and a consultant has been appointed to ensure the work continues without risk,” he added.
When contacted GNGPL, an official at Porvorim informed O Heraldo that they had already discussed the issue with NH authorities and conducted a site inspection of the underpass construction on February 11. They assured that appropriate actions would be taken to safeguard the public and workers by relocating the gas line obstructing the underpass construction area.
