Civic officials begin eviction of occupants from dilapidated structure
The dilapidated Junta Quarters building in the heart of Mapusa could be the next structure to be demolished.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MAPUSA
Following the recent demolition of an old and dangerous bungalow in the heart of Mapusa, authorities have now turned their attention to another crumbling structure – the Junta Quarters in Angod – as part of efforts to rid the town of hazardous buildings.
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC), acting on the directions of the North Goa Collector, has initiated the process to evacuate the remaining occupants of the dilapidated Junta Quarters, which poses a serious risk to public safety.
Although the majority of residents have already vacated the premises, three occupants – including a lawyer – continue to live in the building despite visible signs of structural instability. Chief Officer of MMC, Chandrakant Shetkar, confirmed that eviction notices have been served to the remaining individuals.
“One of the occupants, a lawyer, has requested eight days to vacate his flat. The other two will also have to vacate as we have started the process of demolishing the dangerous structure,” Shetkar said.
Under the Goa Municipalities Act and provisions of the Disaster Management Act, local bodies are empowered to demolish buildings deemed unsafe. However, due to limited financial resources, the Mapusa Municipal Council has sought assistance from the North Goa Collector to facilitate the demolition.
As per procedure, the Collector will issue the necessary order, and the demolition will be carried out by the Public Works Department (PWD).
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, during a recent visit to the MMC, had expressed concern over the presence of unsafe structures in Mapusa and instructed municipal officials to take firm and timely action to address the threat.
With Junta Quarters now slated for demolition, the civic body has signalled its commitment to ensuring public safety by tackling structurally unsound buildings that have long been neglected in the town's core.
Mapusa continues to grapple with the presence of several old and dilapidated structures that pose a serious risk to public safety.
While many such buildings dot the town, the civic body has officially identified nine as being particularly dangerous and in urgent need of attention.
The recent push to demolish hazardous buildings, including the ongoing process involving Junta Quarters, marks a significant step by the civic body.
However, the path ahead remains uncertain, as the fate of the remaining identified structures is yet to be decided.
It remains to be seen how and when these other dangerous buildings will be demolished, especially given the civic body’s limited resources and the legal complexities involved in each case.
