PANAJI
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has proposed legislation to audit and demolish the unsafe old buildings in the State.
Replying to a private members’ resolution tabled by MLA Krishna Salkar, the CM also expressed concerns over directing the owners of unsafe private buildings to evict the occupants without proper provisions for relocation, all of which will be laid down in the proposed bill.
The resolution, supported across party lines, called for the government agencies particularly the Public Works Department to conduct a timely structural audit of all residential and multi-dwelling buildings over 30 years old to ensure resident safety.
Sawant admitted the presence of several buildings aged 30 years and older even dating back to the Portuguese era, stating that while some might be structurally fit, others including both government and private buildings may not be.
“We need to bring a law or Bill to address these issues. Unless there’s a bill, action cannot be taken. The proper relocation for occupants of declared unfit private buildings will also have to be taken care of, and for this time needs to be given…everything will be sorted in the bill,” he said.
The CM added that Advocate General Devidas Pangam will be instructed to study the matter for drafting a bill.
Highlighting the unsafe condition of some government buildings, Sawant stated that Junta House’s matter has been under litigation for decades and the Social Welfare office, where a partial roof collapse was recently reported, is being relocated. The Junta House where several government offices are located has been in dilapidated condition for several years.
“The shifting process of the Social Welfare office is already underway. Since it’s a heritage building, only renovation can be taken up,” Sawant said.
Responding to Leader of Opposition Yuri Alemao's call for action against 25 identified unsafe buildings, Sawant confirmed these would be demolished and replaced with new constructions. He also agreed to MLA Digambar Kamat's suggestion to draft a bill outlining actions for unfit buildings after an audit.
