MAPUSA
The Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) began the demolition of the old and dilapidated house near the Krantiveer Chowk in Mapusa but was forced to halt the work as the encroachment removal team did not have the necessary machinery and the JCB driver expressed his inability to continue the work.
The family of Dr Chandu Borkar used to reside in this old bungalow owned by Rajendra Prabhudesai. Due to a lack of proper maintenance, the house became dilapidated and the Borkar family had moved elsewhere.
Since the house was on the verge of collapse and endangering the public, the MMC issued a notice to Rajendra Prabhu Desai and Dr Chandu Borkar instructing them to demolish the old house. In September 2019, the facade of this house collapsed and the MMC issued a final notice to the house owner and requested the collector to take necessary action in this regard.
On receipt of approval from the collector, the MMC sought the services of the Encroachment Removal Team (ERT) of the PWD. On Wednesday morning, the MMC along with the ERT began the demolition of the old bungalow.
MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal, MMC Junior Engineer Subha Amonkar, Deepali Parab, Municipal Inspector Narsingh Ratwal and teams from the police, traffic police, and electricity department were present at the site.
After the JCB started the demolition work, some portion of the roof came crashing down on the JCB. The concerned JCB operator expressed his inability to continue the demolition work.
The work was halted midway after ERT officials said they would bring a big crane and necessary equipment to continue the work.
MMC Chairperson Priya Mishal said the council has identified 9-10 such dilapidated buildings, which will also be demolished as soon as they receive approval from the collector.
