Team Herald
PANJIM: The fate of three prominent buildings in Panjim teeters on the edge as structural stability tests by the Goa College of Engineering could determine whether they stand or fall. The Lokmanya Building in Altinho, the mixed-use Sushila Building on 18 June Road, and the Mary Immaculate Building, which houses a school, are all under the scanner.
A senior engineer from the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) confirmed that these buildings have been shortlisted for inspection. While complaints from citizens triggered checks on the Sushila and Mary Immaculate buildings, no formal complaints were filed against the Lokmanya Building — though its precarious location on a slope raised red flags. The complainant in Sushila building’s case was bothered by pieces falling on her house, according to CCP sources.
The CCP awaits the engineering college’s report, which will decide whether any of these structures are deemed unsafe. If found structurally compromised, the final call on demolition will be left to higher authorities.
In a related development, the CCP cracked down on a separate structure near the Panjim market on Monday. Following a structural audit that declared the municipal building adjacent to the Falcon building unsafe, 12 units within the complex were sealed with police support. The premises, owned by two landlords, were vacated with urgency.
But the action sparked immediate resistance.
Eleven shop owners obtained a temporary stay order from the High Court, stalling further eviction until May 27. Among those affected is long-time leaseholder Pravin Pednekar, whose father first signed the agreement in 1968.
Pednekar, who now operates eight units on the third floor converted from a single office space, expressed shock over the abruptness of the action. “This time, the authorities moved very fast,” he said. “Earlier we’d get at least eight to fifteen days to respond. Now they gave us just 24 hours. That’s not enough time to even move our goods or seek legal help.”
With the monsoon closing in, Pednekar described the timing as "unfortunate" and questioned how businesses could vacate without being offered alternatives. “Everything is at a standstill. How can I —or anyone— move without alternative arrangements?”
The urgency followed a May 21 order from the CCP, invoking Section 272 (1) of the City of Panaji Corporation Act, 2002, citing imminent danger and directing immediate evacuation. The order was issued in the name of Clen Madeira GCS.
While 11 of the 13 tenants secured a temporary stay, their legal battle continues. They are set to present their case before the Minister of Urban Development on May 27, when the stay period will come to a close.