PANAJI
Junta House, the six‑storey government building that has dominated Panaji’s skyline for six decades, marked its 60th anniversary on Independence Day but instead of celebration, the landmark is staring at demolition under a government plan to redevelop the site through NBCC (India) Ltd, a Union Navratna enterprise.
Built in 1966 and inaugurated on Independence Day, Junta House was Goa’s first high‑rise. It housed key government offices and an astronomical observatory set up by historian Percival Noronha.
A second wing was added in 1977, making it a defining feature of the capital city’s post‑Liberation identity.
The government has now proposed to replace the structure with a 14‑storey complex. Draft designs include a luxury hotel, casino floors and a rooftop swimming pool.
Officials claim the project is part of a “self‑sustainable model” to redevelop ageing government buildings in Panaji but the plan has triggered sharp opposition.
Councillor Jack Sukhija of the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has demanded that the 'Junta House' redevelopment plan must address the city's civic problems, particularly parking shortages instead of merely prioritising commercial interests.
“The city wants infrastructure, not a casino in the heart of Panaji,” he has said, writing to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and warning that traffic congestion will worsen if the project proceeds as is being planned.
Citizen groups have also raised objections. The ‘Enough is Enough’ movement has condemned the proposal, calling it an assault on Panaji’s heritage and civic character.
Another group of citizens and activists -- Panjimites against Casinos -- has argued that replacing a civic landmark with a casino‑driven complex undermines the city’s identity, compromises its heritage character and sacrifices public interest for commercial gain.
The State cabinet has already approved relaxations in building norms for NBCC, including increased stilt height to accommodate a three‑level puzzle parking system.
Critics said this will push the building height beyond permissible limits and add to further congestion even as the authorities have already issued final eviction notices to shops and offices inside Junta House to clear the way for demolition.
The controversy reflects the larger ongoing debate in the State -- should prime public land and government-owned real estate in Goa’s capital serve civic needs or be leveraged for commercial projects?
