Staff Correspondent
Sri Vijaya Puram, August 11: A portion of a newly constructed retaining wall near a Hornbill Nest (Japanese Bunker) along the Flag Point–Corbyn’s Cove stretch has collapsed early this morning at around 6.00 AM, raising questions over the quality and execution of ongoing infrastructure development works in the area.
The incident reportedly occurred this morning, with a section of the retaining wall giving way near the Japanese bunker. Following the collapse, work was taken up at the site to clear the debris and remove soil from the affected portion.
The Flag Point to Corbyn’s Cove stretch is being developed as part of an infrastructure improvement project involving roads, drainage, footpaths, retaining walls and other beautification works. The Andaman Public Works Department is the principal agency associated with the project, while execution of different components has been entrusted to contractors.
The collapse has raised concerns over possible deficiencies in construction, drainage arrangements, soil stability, water flow and other technical aspects that may have contributed to the failure of the structure. The exact cause, however, is yet to be established.
The Administration is reportedly conducting an inquiry into the matter, and a detailed report is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the collapse and whether any technical or construction-related lapses were involved. Further action is expected after the findings of the inquiry are examined.
This is not the first such case involving the collapse of a newly constructed retaining structure in Sri Vijaya Puram. Earlier, in June, a newly built retaining wall near the Judges’ Quarters had also collapsed, prompting demands for an immediate and time-bound inquiry into the reasons behind the incident. Concerns were raised at the time over construction standards, engineering design, supervision, material quality and adherence to approved specifications, with calls for inspection of the remaining structure and similar infrastructure in the surrounding area.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict monitoring, technical supervision and adherence to prescribed construction standards in public infrastructure projects. The focus now remains on the findings of the inquiry and the corrective measures that may follow.
