Landslides block highway from Ponda to Khandepar

| JUNE 26, 2018, 02:08 AM IST
Landslides block highway from Ponda to Khandepar


the goan I network

PONDA

Traffic was paralysed twice due to landslides on Monday as heavy rains loosened soil along the newly-widened highway between Ponda and Khandepar.  

The cutting of the hill at Khandepar for road-widening work had been a cause for concern as locals had feared mudslides could take place during the monsoons. About 1 km stretch of the road is under construction as part of the highway expansion.  

Their fears became reality on Monday when two landslides brought traffic to a halt in the morning and evening, as huge queues of vehicles were seen on both sides of the roads.   

Heavy machinery and many workers were pressed into service to clear the soil and mud from the road.  

Responding to concerns from locals, Ponda Deputy Collector Vishal Kundaikar and Mamlatdar Abhir had visited the site a few days ago to take stock of the situation and instructed PWD officials to take steps to prevent further landslides in the area. 

Fearing there could be further landslides on account of rains  loosening soil around the road-widening area at Khandepar, the South  Goa district magistrate Surendra Naik has issued an order diverting  traffic along the route. 

However, the diversion route is not clear and a fresh order is likely to be issued shortly. 

While Naik did not respond to phone calls and text messages seeking  clarity on the road diversion plan, sources informed that route from  Ponda to Usgao will be diverted via Bethora bypass-Bethora-Codar and  Khandepar junction, while traffic from Usgao will be diverted from  Waghurme-Ponda and Pale Sakhali-Panaji.

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