VASCO
With the monsoon approaching, several abandoned and weakened structures across Mormugao taluka are once again drawing concern from residents, who fear that years of official inaction could eventually lead to a major tragedy.
From old residential quarters in Baina to dilapidated commercial buildings in Vasco and deserted public projects in Zuarinagar, locals say many structures have become both a safety hazard and a shelter for illegal activities.
Within the limits of the Mormugao Municipal Council (MMC), a number of ageing buildings continue to remain occupied despite visible signs of deterioration. Cracks in walls, falling concrete slabs, rusted reinforcements and leaking roofs have become a common sight in some of the older commercial and residential blocks in Vasco city.
Residents and traders say the risk becomes even greater during heavy rains and crowded festive periods.
“People walk under these buildings every day without realising how dangerous they have become. Some structures are in such bad condition that even a small section collapsing can cause fatalities,” said a local shopkeeper.
Abandoned quarters a hub for illegal activity
The issue is not restricted to the city alone. In Baina, abandoned government quarters that were once used by Public Works Department staff have turned into isolated and neglected structures surrounded by overgrown vegetation. Residents allege that anti-social elements frequently use the premises during the night.
“People are scared to pass through the area after dark. There have been repeated complaints about drinking, drug abuse and suspicious movement inside these abandoned quarters,” said a resident from the locality. Locals have demanded that the authorities either demolish the structures or redevelop the land before the situation worsens.
Incomplete projects remain neglected
A similar picture can be seen in Zuarinagar, where an incomplete market complex has remained abandoned for years after construction work came to a standstill. The project, originally intended to provide facilities for local vendors, now lies deserted and damaged, with broken sections and unchecked access.
Residents claim the unused structure has gradually become a gathering point for anti-social activities.
Youth Congress leader Mahesh Nadar recently raised the issue and demanded immediate government intervention to revive the project and prevent misuse of the premises.
Residents fear avoidable tragedy
Concerns over unsafe buildings have repeatedly surfaced in the Assembly and local civic meetings over the years, with demands for stricter enforcement against owners of dangerous properties.
Although notices have been issued in several cases, progress has remained slow due to legal hurdles, ownership disputes and delays in redevelopment proposals.
Locals say the problem can no longer be treated as a routine civic issue, especially with the monsoon season beginning. Many fear that unless urgent steps are taken to demolish, seal or redevelop such structures, the crumbling buildings scattered across Mormugao may eventually become the scene of an avoidable disaster.
