VALPOI
The proposed demolition of a nearly 32-year-old, three-storey commercial building owned by the Honda Village Panchayat and declared dangerous has been postponed due to lack of funds, raising concern among residents.
The North Goa Collector had ordered its demolition, following a technical inspection that found large cracks in the walls and deterioration of the roof, staircase and other structural components. The shops and establishments operating from the building have since been vacated.
The administration had completed preparations for the demolition, including arrangements for electricity and water disconnection, police deployment and traffic management. Officials
from various departments and panchayat representatives had also inspected the site.
However, the PWD Buildings Division has said it does not have the required funds for the work. The demolition is estimated to cost around Rs 15 lakh, covering heavy machinery, transportation, manpower and other expenses.
PWD officials said correspondence has been sent to the Collector and a proposal forwarded to the government seeking approval and allocation of funds. The demolition will be taken up after funds are sanctioned and the necessary official notice is issued.
Earlier machinery hurdle, now funds
The postponement comes after the PWD had earlier cited the non-availability of suitable machinery and manpower as a hurdle. The department has now also flagged the lack of a budgetary provision for the estimated Rs 15-lakh expenditure.
The building stands in a central part of the Honda market, with regular pedestrian and vehicular movement around it. Although the commercial establishments have been closed, residents remain concerned about the possibility of a weakened portion collapsing.
They have urged the administration to demolish the structure at the earliest. Until then, they have demanded barricading, prominent danger signs and restrictions on public access around the building.
Residents have also pointed to the continuing rain, wind and humidity during the monsoon, saying immediate preventive measures are needed rather than waiting for funds to be released.
The next step will depend on government approval of the PWD proposal and release of the required funds. The PWD has said it will arrange the necessary machinery and carry out the demolition through a controlled process once the funds are available.
