MARGAO: A group of concerned citizens in Margao has once again raised questions about the commitment and seriousness of the Margao Municipal Council and the Disaster Management Cell in addressing the issue of dilapidated structures in Goa’s commercial capital.
Advocate Nick Colaco, speaking to reporters, highlighted the inconsistency in the actions of the Council. He noted that while the eviction notice for certain premises is still in effect, there are proposals for altering an entire floor in the Guru Ashish building. “Is it legal on the part of the Council to grant permission for civil alterations in the building when the eviction notice is still in force?” he questioned.
Another Margao resident, Mathin Karol, expressed his disappointment, stating that the authorities and elected representatives seem to lack genuine concern for public safety. “They only visit dilapidated structures when they collapse, and shed fake tears of concern,”’ he remarked. Another citizen Dr Roslyn Pereira stressed the need for strict legislation that would hold Council officials accountable in the event of any harm to public life and property. “The only problem is that the officials permitting such activities disappear when the damage occurs,” she added. Savio Coutinho, former MMC Chairperson, criticised the Council and the relevant elected representatives for selectively allowing occupants to renovate their premises in notified dilapidated structures. He mentioned that despite eviction notices under Section 190, certain premises within two notified buildings are being refurbished and readied for occupancy.
In one case, occupants of a building adjacent to the Raymond Showroom on Isidore Baptista Road, were served eviction notices on April 6, 2018. The occupants vacated the premises and informed the Council accordingly. Coutinho emphasised that the condition of the building warranted the eviction of occupants. The second case, named Guru Ashish building, has a different history. A tie beam of the building was damaged when the adjoining Casa Menezes building partially collapsed some years ago. Based on an engineer’s report dated September 30, 2021, occupants of the Guru Ashish building received eviction notices in 2022. Subsequently, the occupants repaired and reinforced the building, requesting the Council to withdraw the eviction notice.
Citizens have now called for the Chief Officer’s attention to these matters and demanded action against those responsible for the violations and discrepancies regarding the dilapidated structures.
