Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: The dilapidated building that once housed the iconic Café Central at the old bus stand in Chaudi was finally demolished by the Canacona Municipal Council (CMC) on Monday, bringing an end to a long-standing landmark of the town.
Café Central, which operated since the Portuguese era, was a well-known social hub where people gathered for chai and bhaji, newspaper reading and political and community discussions. It was often described as Canacona’s own “central sitting and chatting” point.
The café, run by the late Babuso Naik and later by his son, was famous for its mix bhaji, shira and fenori. Two benches placed outside the café were a regular meeting spot for residents, activists and political workers. For decades, it was also the only place in Canacona taluka where newspapers and magazines such as Filmfare and Sportsweek were available.
Operations at Café Central were stopped over a decade ago after the structure was declared unsafe and unfit for occupation. The Naik family subsequently became embroiled in prolonged litigation, even as the municipal council issued demolition notices due to the building’s deteriorating condition.
Located just across the Margao bus stop on NH-66 and opposite the old Chaudi bus stand, the building remained a familiar sight despite being in a dangerous state. Until recently, it continued to house at least two small shops.
On Monday, CMC, with the help of a JCB, razed the dangerously dilapidated structure, citing public safety concerns, marking the end of a historic yet crumbling chapter in Canacona’s civic life.
