PANAJI
With several dilapidated buildings posing a risk of collapse, the State government has issued strict directives to both the district administration to identify and act against structurally unsafe and abandoned buildings posing a threat to public safety, including its demolition.
The Revenue Department has invoked Sections 33 and 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, empowering the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to initiate verification drives and take urgent action in coordination with local bodies.
“Due to the recent unprecedented incidents in various parts of the State regarding the collapse of old dilapidated buildings, particularly in densely populated or urbanising areas, a serious concern has been raised about public safety, risk of causing damage to life and property, especially during the monsoon season,” the order reads.
District Collectors have been asked to undertake thorough inspections to identify structurally unsound buildings, abandoned or otherwise unsafe for habitation or public use. They are also expected to coordinate with municipal councils and panchayats to update existing records of such buildings.
Further, the Revenue Department has directed local bodies to conduct technical assessments, issue notices to owners or occupants of dangerous structures, and carry out remedial actions like barricading, eviction or demolition wherever necessary.
Where local authorities fail to act in time, the order empowers Collectors to exercise their statutory powers and implement preventive or punitive measures without delay.
A recent example of inaction turning dangerous came from Margao, where a portion of the Holy Family House building near Cine Lata collapsed twice within a month. After this, the DDMA ordered Salcete Mamlatdar to evict all occupants running commercial activities from the premises and to seal access points, including staircases, within 24 hours.
In Panaji, the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has begun assessing the structural safety of 16 buildings to ascertain if these require demolition or restoration.
Some of the prominent buildings are under review including the National Theatre, which has been sealed and is currently being examined by the Secretary (Urban Development); Clube Nacional, and several others in Sao Tome, St Inez, Altinho, Ribandar, and the Central Panaji.
Junta House also faces a major threat of collapse even as the government has been unable to locate alternative premises for all the government offices functioning from the building. The Social Welfare office is also awaiting shifting with works of the new building at Porvorim underway.
