Date: 27th July 2025 | Location: Malpe, Pernem Taluka, Goa-Karnataka Border
Malpe: Tension escalated on Sunday morning as a massive protest broke out at Malpe along National Highway 66. The demonstration, led by the Pernem Taluka Citizens Committee, is drawing widespread attention as locals raise urgent concerns over an unsafe retaining wall that poses a direct threat to road users and residents.
Citizens from Pernem and surrounding areas gathered in large numbers, waving placards and chanting slogans, to demand the immediate repair or reconstruction of the dangerously weakened wall. The protestors blame administrative negligence and contractual lapses for the hazardous condition, which they say has been ignored despite repeated complaints.
“This is not just a wall – it’s a disaster waiting to happen,” said one protestor. “We are tired of the inaction. If lives are lost tomorrow, will the authorities wake up then?”
The retaining wall in question, built along a curve of the busy NH-66, has visible cracks, signs of erosion, and lacks proper support reinforcement. Locals claim the structure was poorly constructed and now endangers not only daily commuters but also nearby settlements. Monsoon rains have worsened the risk, increasing the possibility of collapse.
Transporters, daily travelers, and two-wheeler riders have all raised alarm, citing multiple near-miss incidents. Locals have even shared videos and photos of the crumbling structure on social media, fueling public outrage.
Angry demonstrators didn’t hold back in slamming the “double engine government”, accusing both state and central authorities of complete failure in infrastructure upkeep and citizen safety. Slogans like “Double Engine Sarkar = Double Failure” echoed during the dharna.
“Promises were made for development and safety under the double engine model, but what we see here is a crumbling system – literally,” said another member of the Citizens Committee.
- ●Immediate structural audit of the retaining wall by an independent technical team
- ●Temporary traffic diversion until repairs are complete
- ●FIRs against contractors and officials involved in negligent construction
- ●Compensation policy for potential victims of infrastructure failure
Police have been deployed at the site to monitor the situation. As of now, the protest remains peaceful but determined. The Pernem Taluka Citizens Committee has warned of a larger agitation if immediate action is not initiated.
Present of Conveyer Sadanad Vaingankar, Member uday Mhale, Devendra pradu desia & Other