Porvorim residents urge HC for urgent drainage solutions amid highway work

Panaji: Porvorim residents, represented by Eurico Mascarenhas, submitted to the high court on Wednesday that the non-availability of a proper drainage system before the onset of the monsoon will cause serious inconvenience to them and members of the general public. The high court is hearing a PIL regarding the construction of the elevated corridor at Porvorim.
The issue of the drainage system requires urgent intervention as the present drainage system has been completely filled with mud and damaged amid the ongoing work, Mascarenhas’ advocate, Abhijit Gosavi, submitted to the high court. He suggested that new temporary drainages touching compound walls be built wherever possible to avoid flooding of the road and particularly the construction site. He further suggested that the contractor file a detailed plan of action regarding the implementation of the drainage system. He also sought immediate hotmixing of the road between O’Coqueiro Junction and Damian de Goa service road to allow smooth movement of traffic.
Petitioner advocate Moses Pinto submitted to the high court that there were hazardous conditions and gross mismanagement at the elevated corridor project site, with construction activities resulting in multiple safety hazards, environmental degradation, and non-compliance with legal and contractual obligations. He submitted photographs highlighting the urgent need for action to prevent harm to public safety. He sought instructions for the project contractor to comply with all safety regulations and contractual obligations under the supervision of an independent monitoring agency.
Pinto submitted that a live electrical wire passing along the length of the road, along with electrical poles tilting dangerously towards the road, fallen barricades installed to demarcate construction zones, and precast concrete links being installed over an active public carriageway without adequate safety measures increase the risk of falling debris during lifting and placement operations, all posing a risk to public safety. The absence of adequate barricading makes the site particularly hazardous during low visibility conditions, he said.

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