Port Blair: Barely months after being showcased as part of the ambitious Smart City transformation along the Corbyn’s Cove coastal stretch, a portion of a newly constructed retaining wall near the Judge’s Bungalow at Mazar Pahad collapsed on Wednesday morning, triggering serious questions over the quality of work executed under the prestigious project and raising suspicions of possible foul play or substandard construction practices.
According to sources, the retaining wall gave way following heavy rainfall, with a large quantity of mud reportedly sliding towards the seaward side after the collapse. The incident has sparked concern among local residents and commuters, many of whom have begun questioning whether proper engineering standards and quality control measures were followed during construction.
The collapsed structure forms part of the ongoing Smart City Project works that include retaining walls, walkways and beautification initiatives aimed at transforming the scenic Corbyn’s Cove waterfront and elsewhere. The project had drawn praise in recent months on social media, with visitors appreciating the changing landscape and modernized coastal infrastructure.
However, Wednesday’s collapse has now cast a shadow over the much-publicized development effort. Residents and observers have expressed concern that a structure built only recently could fail so quickly after a spell of rain, leading to speculation about the possible use of poor-quality materials, inadequate reinforcement or lapses in execution by the contractor entrusted with the work.
The incident has also intensified fears regarding the safety and durability of other retaining wall sections constructed along the same stretch. Citizens have demanded an immediate structural audit and independent technical assessment of the entire project segment to determine the exact cause of the collapse and fix accountability if negligence or irregularities are detected.
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Many residents have urged the authorities to initiate a transparent inquiry into the incident and ensure that any compromised structures are repaired without delay in the interest of public safety. The collapse has once again highlighted growing public concern over the quality of infrastructure works being undertaken under high-value development projects in the Islands.
