The state of the balconies of this old and dilapidated building in Margao. They have come under lens as authorities went about razing down portions of balconies of Holy Family and Dias Building in the city on Thursday.
MARGAO
As heavy machinery requisitioned by the PWD moved in on Thursday to demolish the dangerous portions of balconies and sajjas of the Dias and Holy Family buildings, a critical question still looms large — what about the dozens of old and dilapidated structures across the commercial capital whose balconies and projections continue to pose a serious threat to public safety?
The demolition drive, undertaken by the District Disaster Management Authority in the wake of last year’s balcony collapse, has brought renewed focus on the precarious condition of several ageing buildings in the city. Residents and concerned citizens say many such structures have balconies and sajjas that appear equally, if not more, unsafe.
“Since it is not practical to raze dangerous buildings immediately because of the lengthy legal procedures and landlord-tenant disputes, the least the authorities can do is identify and secure balconies that pose a threat to the public,” remarked a public-spirited citizen.
He further pointed out that demolition of old buildings cannot proceed unless the Goa College of Engineering submits a structural stability report declaring a building unsafe. “There are also long-pending landlord-tenant disputes before courts. In such circumstances, the authorities should at least ensure that unsafe balconies and sajjas do not collapse onto public roads,” he added.
Even as the PWD carried out demolition work on the two identified buildings, official sources admitted that several other dilapidated structures in the city may have balconies weakened by years of exposure to rain and neglect. “Let the team of officials at least inspect these dangerous balconies and initiate necessary action before any untoward incident occurs,” sources said.
