Construction work on the retaining wall at N S Patkar Marg, well known as Hughes Road, has finally been completed. It was inaugurated by environment minister Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday. The wall had come crashing down after a massive landslide had taken place on August 5, last year. Despite a delay in starting the work, the BMC claimed that they have completed the work in a record of six months.
Assistant municipal commissioner of D-ward Prashant Gaikwad said, “Around 10 to 12 days ago, we started traffic movement on both sides of the road. That time only 5% of the work was left. While we have completed work on N S Patkar Marg, repairs on Ridge road will be carried out post monsoon. It is very important to observe what happens on the hill slope during monsoon this year. Only after observing the effects of heavy rains on the slope will we be able to begin work accordingly.”
Officials said that an expert committee was appointed in consultation with IIT-Bombay who designed the project.
“Near the slope of the hill on N S Patkar Marg, we concretized the road and erected a five-meter high and 160-meter long protective wall. We also constructed storm water drains. Work started only in January, this year. Despite this, work has been completed in less than six months. Not only this, but the width of the road has also been increased,” said a senior BMC official.
The ceremony was attended by Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant, BJP MLA from Malabar hill constituency Mangal Prabhat Lodha and senior BMC officials like P Velrasu, additional municipal commissioner (Projects).
Malabar Hill witnessed two landslides last year in a space of 50 days, resulting in a cave-in on NS Patkar Road and also damaging the Ridge road.
