Team Herald
PONDA: Several old and dilapidated buildings within the Ponda Municipal Council (PMC) jurisdiction have been identified as posing a risk to shop owners conducting business from them, as well as to members of the general public visiting these premises. To ensure public safety, the PMC has announced that appropriate legal action will be taken after a detailed survey. Buildings deemed unsafe will be required to undergo
demolition.
The PMC has so far identified four dangerous buildings, including both public and private structures. Stability notices have already been issued to some of these properties. The council has also demolished its Shastri Hall building, where shop owners operating from the ground floor were relocated before the structure was taken down. Additionally, the PMC has decided to demolish its old 16-flat building at Shantinagar-Ponda.
PMC officials have stated that some of the private buildings identified as hazardous have also been issued notices. While certain owners have requested additional time to vacate, officials warned that those refusing to comply would be required to provide a structural audit report prepared by the Goa Engineering College (GEC).
In addition, the government has directed the council to conduct a survey of old buildings belonging to various government departments. According to PMC officials, several abandoned
health department buildings near the Government Complex at Tisk-Ponda, are on the verge of collapse. Two of these structures have been flagged as particularly unsafe.
Social worker Rocky Dias has raised concerns about the risk posed by such buildings, stating: “Buildings posing a risk to the public should be identified and barricaded to prevent entry and discourage anti-social activities.”
The PMC has reiterated its commitment to taking swift action to address the issue of unsafe buildings, ensuring the safety of both residents and visitors.