Margao Market Building Collapses: Safety Concerns and Real Estate Speculation
The Margao market area has once again seen a building collapse, this time involving the gallery portion of the Antao building near Cine Lata. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, following a similar event on Friday where a portion of a parapet on the upper floor of an old building near Pimpalkatta gave way. While no vehicles were damaged in Saturday's incident, locals expressed relief that it happened early in the morning, avoiding potential casualties on the busy street.
Vivek Naik, a resident of Margao, called on authorities to address such issues more thoroughly to ensure public safety. He highlighted the need for proactive measures to prevent further incidents, especially given the recent back-to-back collapses.
Shadow Council for Margao (SCM) Convenor Savio Coutinho raised another concern, questioning whether real estate developers might be eyeing these lands, waiting for buildings to fall to facilitate redevelopment. This speculation adds another layer of complexity to the safety and maintenance issues surrounding old buildings in the area.
Upon the collapse, authorities swiftly responded to the scene. Margao MLA Digambar Kamat inspected the site and instructed the South Goa District Collector to appoint a capable contractor with the necessary equipment to remove the unsafe portions of the building. Kamat emphasized that neither the Margao Municipal Council (MMC) nor the fire brigade has the required tools or manpower for such operations, making this approach more effective.
Kamat also addressed the responsibility of building owners, stating that they should be held accountable for the maintenance of their properties. He noted that if buildings were regularly maintained, such incidents could be avoided. However, he acknowledged the legal and procedural complexities involved in taking action against unsafe buildings, including the rights of tenants and potential legal battles with building owners.
While the MMC has conducted a survey of unsafe buildings, Kamat plans to discuss the issue with the Chief Minister to advocate for a comprehensive pan-Goa policy. This policy would clarify legal procedures and responsibilities for the demolition and redevelopment of unsafe buildings, ensuring a more systematic and effective approach to public safety.
The Margao market area, a bustling commercial hub, faces ongoing challenges with aging infrastructure. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to maintaining the safety and well-being of the community.
