Collapse of Dilapidated Building in Panaji’s St Inez Area Sparks Controversy

A portion of an abandoned dilapidated building in Panaji's St Inez area collapsed without causing any casualties. Residents had repeatedly complained about the dangerous structure, but no action was taken. The remaining unsafe part is set to be demolished, according to local authorities, to prevent any future incidents.

A portion of an abandoned dilapidated building, located in the densely-populated St Inez area of Panaji city, collapsed on Saturday evening.

Fortunately, no casualties were reported as the rubble of the four-storey structure fell on a slope and not on houses, officials said. No casualties were reported in the incident, confirmed Corporation of City of Panaji Mayor Rohit Monserratte.

'This building was abandoned and not occupied by anyone,' commented Monserratte.

The affected building is situated on a slope on the way to Altinho, housing several significant buildings including the Chief Minister's official residence. Mayor Monserratte stated that the remaining section of the collapsed structure will be demolished, given that a few houses are located downhill from the building.

Residents of the St Inez area, in the center of Goa's capital, claimed they had been complaining about the dilapidated building to the Corporation of City of Panaji (CCP) for the past two months, but no action had been taken by authorities. 'We have been living under the lurking fear that the structure will crumble,' they said.

(With inputs from agencies.)