Govt identifies 120 dangerous buildings amid safety concerns

PANAJI
Amid growing concerns over crumbling buildings – a few of which have partially collapsed during the rains - the State government has identified 120 dangerous structures across Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa over the last five years.

The local authorities have also initiated eviction and demolition procedures under the Disaster Management Act and relevant municipal laws, while some are still occupied.

In a written reply tabled in the Legislative Assembly, Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane said Panaji has the highest 26 such buildings, including the Junta House and government quarters in St Inez, which are already being vacated.

“Structural stability reports have been sought from Goa Engineering College, and further action -- either eviction or demolition -- will be undertaken as per provisions of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002,” the reply to an unstarred question by Congress MLA Carlos Ferreira stated.

In Mapusa, 14 buildings have been identified as unsafe. The Mapusa Municipal Council has forwarded the list to the Deputy Collector and Sub-Divisional Magistrate for action under the Disaster Management Act.

Notices have been issued in several cases, directing owners and occupiers to vacate, barricade their premises, or submit structural stability certificates; failing to do so, action will follow.

One of the major properties in Mapusa is in Angod, covering multiple house numbers and currently occupied by individuals and organisations, including the Goa Co-operative Marketing & Supply Federation Ltd. Notices have been issued asking all occupants to vacate and take necessary safety precautions.

At Gaunsawado, demolition was carried out on September 7, 2023, following a notice issued in July 2022. A residential structure at Ansabhat was razed on June 9, 2025, after notices in 2024 and early 2025.

Structures in Pokle Wada, Tar near Milagres Church, and Feira Alta have also received notices either for demolition or to submit structural reports from the Goa Engineering College. In some of these, demolition has been carried out, while occupants continue to live in other remaining portions.

In Vasco and Margao, several buildings have been surveyed. While a few have already been demolished in accordance with legal procedures, others have been issued notices to vacate; however, some remain occupied.

The House was also informed that in certain cases, demolition was undertaken by the authorities, while in others, owners voluntarily brought down the unsafe structures after notices.