Residents Alarmed as Cracked Wall Stands Adjacent to Route Used by Schoolchildren; MLA Demands Urgent Action Over Suspected Poor Quality Construction
Puttur: A deep and alarming crack has emerged in the retaining wall constructed under the National Highway expansion project in Uppinangady, igniting widespread panic and outrage among local residents and commuters, especially as the structure overlooks a road used daily by schoolchildren.
The retaining wall, which stands over 15 feet high, was already under public scrutiny during its construction due to concerns over material quality and execution. Locals had raised repeated red flags about potential flaws in the structure, but their warnings were reportedly dismissed by authorities.
This is not the first time safety has been compromised in the area. A similar retaining wall on the opposite side of the same highway stretch collapsed two years ago, though the incident didn’t result in casualties due to its remote location. The current crack, however, is located in a densely populated area, intensifying the threat.
“The visible crack raises serious questions about the quality of the work done here. It’s unacceptable that public safety is being compromised on such critical infrastructure,”
said MLA Ashok Kumar Rai, demanding swift and decisive action from highway authorities.
Schoolchildren at Risk, Trust Eroding
The road running adjacent to the cracked wall is a frequent route for school buses and pedestrians, especially children from nearby villages. Residents fear the wall could collapse during the ongoing monsoon, potentially leading to a tragic disaster.
“Every day, dozens of children walk by that wall. If it gives way even slightly, the consequences will be devastating. Authorities must act before it's too late,”
warned a concerned local parent.
Project Officer Responds – But Locals Unconvinced
KNR Project Officer Mahendra Kumar Singh, who inspected the wall today, tried to downplay the immediate danger, suggesting the crack could be due to panel-fitting issues during construction.
“At first glance, the crack doesn’t appear to be structurally dangerous. It might have resulted from wooden formwork misalignment during the setting process. Still, we will conduct a comprehensive technical inspection and ensure public safety,”
Singh stated.
Despite his assurance, public confidence remains shaken, especially given the history of wall failure in the area and a pattern of dismissing legitimate concerns.
Public Demands Accountability
Residents are demanding:
-
A full structural audit of all retaining walls along the highway stretch.
-
Suspension of contractors found guilty of negligence.
-
Protective barricades or alternative pedestrian paths near the wall until repairs are made.
-
Transparency in the inspection reports and immediate repair timelines.
The issue has now gained political traction, and public outcry continues to grow, with local civil society groups planning to stage a peaceful protest if urgent action isn’t initiated.
No comments:
Post a Comment