The Ponda Muncipal Council (PMC) had passed a resolution five years ago to demolish its Old Shastri Hall building owing to its dilapidated condition. They however have failed to evict the four shop owners operating on the ground floor of the building. The building is declared unsafe by Government authorities.
The Shastri Hall building of PMC is around fifty year old and has not been maintained. The building is ground plus two floors. On second floor the Shastri Hall was closed due to the dangerous condition and exposed false ceiling and falling plasters. The iron rods in the ceiling are rusted and pieces fall constantly on all floors. While the Shastri Hall was closed to the public more than a decade ago, the Municipal Library was shifted to upper Bazaar few month ago after the Goa Engineering College team which inspected the building gave a report labelling it unsafe for occupation.
This building is the earliest building of PMC and will be demolished and an ultra- modern project will be constructed costing Rs. 12 crores in its place which will have Shastri Moll, Shopping Centres, Shops, Offices and further there will be parking provision for around 60 Vehicles.
According to the shopkeepers the alternative spot to conduct business being provided by the PMC will not attract customers. Further they are ready to shift but PMC should sign an agreement with them prior to shifting that it will provide them shops in the new building that will come after demolishing the existing one at the same place. Since no such agreement are made on their proposal they are not ready to vacate the shops in the old dilapidated building even though it has been declared unsafe for occupation by GEC team.
When asked the Chief officer of the PMC Navnath Naik he said “We had sent several notices to vacate the old building and even promised them to give shops in Market Complex building to run their business”. When asked who would be responsible if the building collapsed, he said they were unnecessarily risking their life. However as per legal provisions We will do everything to evict them from this building for their safety.
He said the people should shift to alternative place which PMC is ready to allot them in Market Complex. He said the Council had not taken a decision on their demand to give them shops in the new building that will come after demolishing old one where they are currently doing business.
PMC councillor Venktesh Naik said PMC Shastri Moll Complex which will come after demolishing Old Shastri Hall building could not go ahead as the Old building is yet to be vacated by some shop owners.
Shop owners in Shastri Hall building are demanding agreement with PMC for rehabilitation in new building that will come in its place after demolishing old one. It will depend on Council decision whether to make agreement or not with Shop owners.
Currently due to dangerous condition the shop owners are offered to shift at shops in Market Complex to which they are not agreed. PMC will soon take decision on their demands.
