MAPUSA: A portion of the service road on the Guirim-Mapusa stretch of NH 66, which caved in on a rainy night last year, threatens to collapse again.
While it was fortunate that no one — motorist or pedestrian — was present on the rain-soaked road when it collapsed, the government’s haphazard restoration work has stoked fears of another cave-in. Mere rubble and soil have been used to fill the gaping hole, giving cars, two-wheelers and large passenger buses and good carriers a bumpy, and rather treacherous, ride.
Irate commuters, who have long complained about the pathetic condition of the stretch, have demanded immediate repairs before the monsoon arrives. “The same road was damaged twice in the last two years, but the government has been unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for this. Earlier, when it was damaged, mere patchwork was done. Now, as the spot has been covered with mud, it has become prone to accidents,” a local said.
“Also, there is no retaining wall, so if any driver loses control or miscalculates the road’s width, especially during the night, there are chances of the vehicle landing into the fields below.”
Locals further pointed out to the continuous flow of water under the road despite the government having undertaken repairs. Already grappling with an acute water supply shortage, they want the authorities concerned to address the situation and ascertain if it is in fact public water supply that is going to waste.
