PANAJI
Even as demolition preparations gather pace at the iconic Junta House building in Panaji, the Consumer Court and the Department of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs continue to operate from the six-storey structure, raising concerns over public safety.
While all other occupants and government offices have been shifted to alternative premises, these two government offices remain in the iconic six-floor building slated for demolition and redevelopment.
Civic rights activist Roland Martins alleged that the continued functioning of the offices exposes visitors and staff to unnecessary risk.
“Heavy machinery has already been brought to the premises for demolition work. The authorities should have relocated these offices first. Even now, they have not found suitable alternative accommodation,” Martins said.
The issue assumes significance as citizens continue to visit the Consumer Court and Civil Supplies Department for hearings, complaints and routine services.
Civil Supplies Director Jayant Tari meanwhile told The Goan that the government is actively working on two or three proposals to shift the Junta House offices of his department to an alternative space.
Tari also played down the risk and inconvenience to visitors since the consumer court is almost entirely operating in the online mode and is presided over by the Single Bench of the Bombay High Court.
The State government’s ambitious redevelopment plan for Junta House, meanwhile, has already entered the preparatory stage.
NBCC (India) Ltd, the Central government-owned enterprise entrusted with the project, has taken possession of the building and the land. A Pune-based contractor has reportedly been engaged for the demolition, and machinery has already been mobilised at the site.
However, officials face a major logistical challenge. Demolishing the structure in the heart of Panaji could require extensive safety measures and traffic restrictions in the surrounding area.
Located on the busy 18th June Road corridor, Junta House is surrounded by shops, banks, offices, restaurants, Hotel Fidalgo and other commercial establishments. Any large exclusion zone is expected to impact both vehicular movement and business activity.
The proposed redevelopment envisions a 14-storey complex featuring commercial facilities, a luxury hotel, casino floors and a rooftop swimming pool.
The project has also triggered opposition from citizens’ groups and public figures, who argue that replacing a prominent public landmark with a casino-linked development would undermine Panaji’s heritage, character and public interest.
