It’s ironic, like much else that our government does. The State capital’s modern and crumbling buildings are buzzing with activity while a sentinel of history remains a silent tomb of the past. In its plans to beautify Panjim and give the city some colour, it has forgotten its most beautiful building, the grandest historical asset that the State capital possesses – the old Secretariat building on the banks of the River Mandovi.
Much over 500 years old, with a rich history, jaw-dropping architecture, grand rooms and high ceilings, the building has remained unused since 2000, while buildings that have been built just decades ago and are almost crumbling are being utilized to house government offices in the city.
The Junta House, located on the extremely busy 18th June Road, is one example of how a building built after Liberation is crumbling and poses a danger. Yet, the building is home to a number of government offices and has a large number of visitors every day.
In the State Museum the ancient exhibits are in better condition than the building housing them that was constructed just 19 years ago.
Herald takes stock of some of these buildings in Panjim and the condition they are in.
