MARGAO
Another portion of the ill-fated building near the Cine Lata area collapsed on late Tuesday evening, raising questions over the delay in razing down the dangerous portions of the concrete slab/gallery by the authorities.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident as the debris came crashing down on the busy Cine Lata road.
Last month, the city reported two incidents of collapse of portion of concrete slab/gallery near Pimpalkatta and Cine Lata area within 24 hours.
Taking cognisance of the ground reality, district Collector, Egna Cleetus later issued an order to the PWD, Buildings to raze down the portions of the ill-fated building near Pimpalkatta hanging dangerously. Based on the Collector’s order, the PWD has removed the dangerous portion of the building near Pimpalkatta the previous Sunday.
Surprisingly, a similar order was not issued by the district Collector nor by the Margao Municipal Council to demolish the hanging portion of the building near Cine Lata till date when the ill-fated building is posing danger since the first collapse.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, who rushed to the spot along with Salcete Mamlatdar Vimod Dalal after the collapse told media that he has told the authorities to barricade the road as a matter of abundant caution.
He said the dangerous portions of the building need to be razed with the help of breakers, adding that the authorities will initiate action in a day or two. “The authorities have removed the dangerous portion from the building near Pimpalkatta. Similar exercise need to be initiated on this building in the interest of public safety”, he added.
To a question, the Margao MLA said the Collector has passed an order to the PWD to identify and issue tender for the demolition of the dangerous and unsafe building in the city.
