Retaining wall of Mandi park gives way, raises questions about govt project quality
A portion of the retaining wall of an under-construction park in Ward No. 1, Palace Colony, Jail Road, Mandi, collapsed yesterday amidst heavy rainfall, raising serious questions about construction quality and coordination between government departments. The incident has left part of the park hanging precariously over the Sakodi Khad (a seasonal rivulet), posing a potential threat to nearby homes.
According to Hardeep Singh Raja, councillor of Palace Colony, the park is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 35 lakh by the Mandi Municipal Corporation. Designed as a recreational space with swings, benches and an open gym, nearly Rs 18 lakh had already been spent when the retaining wall gave way, exposing structural flaws even before project completion.
Municipal Corporation authorities have blamed the Jal Shakti Department for the incident. Mandi MC Mayor Virender Bhatt, who visited the site, alleged that water seepage from a sewer chamber within the park’s premises significantly weakened the wall. “Repeated requests were made to shift the sewer line and chamber, but no action was taken. Continuous leakage undermined the wall’s stability,” the Mayor stated. He added that major cracks had appeared on the wall last week, and the issue had been reported, but no preventive steps were initiated.
The wall had been constructed along the banks of the Sakodi Khad, which flows adjacent to the park. With its collapse, concerns have risen over further erosion and damage unless prompt repair work begins.
Mayor Bhatt also highlighted the shortage of technical staff at the Municipal Corporation as a challenge in overseeing development projects. “We currently have only one Assistant Engineer and two Junior Engineers. The post of work supervisor remains vacant, affecting timely inspections and supervision,” he said.
Local resident Jaswant Singh noted that muck sliding from the collapsed section has been deposited in the rivulet, potentially altering its course during the upcoming monsoon. “If the muck is not removed in time, flooded water could divert toward nearby homes, creating serious risks. The Mayor has been informed and requested to take urgent action,” he said.
In response, Raj Kumar Saini, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, stated that the sewer chamber had been buried during park construction, making it difficult for the department to address seepage issues. He said that while efforts were underway to shift the sewer line, the process was delayed due to a lack of required materials, and the incident occurred in the meantime.
The collapse has alarmed the public and is expected to delay the park’s completion. Reconstruction of the damaged section will require a fresh evaluation and incur additional costs.
Although no formal inquiry has been announced, growing pressure from local residents and elected representatives may compel the Municipal Corporation to investigate the failure and establish accountability to prevent future incidents.
Himachal Tribune