The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has officially closed access to the ageing and structurally unsafe CCP building in the Panjim market, adjacent to the Falcon building, as of Saturday. The move follows long-standing concerns about the building’s safety, which houses 13 shops, including the iconic Kamal Pharmacy, a fixture in the market for 55 years.
Despite the disruption to their businesses, the affected shopkeepers have agreed to cooperate with the authorities, acknowledging the risk posed by the deteriorating structure. Their cooperation was secured after the government advocate assured that the matter would be taken up by Urban Development Minister Vishwajit Rane on May 27. In response to this assurance, the shopkeepers have withdrawn their petition from the High Court, choosing instead to pursue resolution through direct dialogue with the government.
While this closure is considered a temporary measure, it has triggered broader concerns within the CCP, with several councillors raising questions about transparency and the decision-making process surrounding the future of the market building. The upcoming hearing is expected to address these concerns, provide clarity on redevelopment plans, and seek a balanced solution for both the displaced shopkeepers and the integrity of the market infrastructure.