The demolition of the Cabeça de Calcondem building in Margao, a structure that stood tall for nearly seven years after being declared unsafe, highlights a complete lack of urgency and carelessness regarding public safety. It points to a systemic failure, bureaucratic inertia, and a lack of political will. Let us not forget that the Cabeca building was red-flagged by the Goa Engineering College, but administrative hurdles came in the way, even as a controversy arose over the contractor involved in the demolition work.
Margao has been a witness to partial collapses of structures recently, with portions of concrete coming down while many are precariously hanging in balance. There was a concrete collapse near Pimpalkatta market and another one at Cine Lata Road last year, but luckily, there were no casualties.
Such delays have been common across other cities in Goa, and the capital city, Panaji, and the port town of Vasco have had similar experiences. In Panaji, despite laws like the CCP Act, 2002, empowering authorities to act swiftly, the process remains sluggish. The recent demolitions in Panaji, carried out under the Disaster Management Act, are isolated cases, and there are over 20 unsafe structures that are still standing tall. The CCP and state authorities have identified approximately 20 buildings within city limits that are structurally unsafe, many of which are heritage structures or crucial government buildings now facing demolition or redevelopment.
In Vasco, nearly 30 buildings within the Mormugao Municipal Council limits have been declared ‘structurally unsafe’, structures that are a mix of residential, commercial, and municipal properties spread across key pockets of the city. The worst part is that there is a looming danger since chunks of concrete are falling apart, posing a constant danger to people passing by. The city’s busy markets are carrying a hidden risk that grows bigger with every passing year.
The larger question is, why do authorities take these risks? Goa and its systems are known to be reactive; we saw it several times — whether it is the Birch fire, or the Shirgao stampede. Will authorities react only when lives are lost? The inaction breeds a false sense of security, which is dangerous. Delays in acting on these unsafe buildings are not isolated; they are emblematic of a broader malaise haunting Goa’s urban landscape. Across the State, dozens of buildings—residential, commercial, or heritage are in varying states of disrepair, with many posing imminent risks.
Now, here’s the twist. A circular issued in June 2025 by the Revenue Department instructing district authorities to identify and act against dilapidated structures was seen as a positive step. However, like many other circulars that have gathered dust, this one too was soon forgotten. Accountability is missing, and demolitions are often stuck in the system under the flimsiest of reasons — including unavailability of machinery.
The government must understand that it will be held responsible should there be a catastrophe of a building collapse. The consequences could be dire. The need of the hour is to show commitment and prioritise safety over bureaucratic delays and political considerations. Those cases tangled in a web of legalities and ownership issues need to be fast-tracked. Moreover, to begin with, there has to be a centralised registry of unsafe buildings, followed by routine inspections and public reporting.
The demolition of Cabeça de Calcondem is a reminder that timely action is paramount in the interest of public safety, which is non-negotiable. The clock is ticking, and action should not wait any longer.
