Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a major development highlighting the growing concerns over ageing public infrastructure, the North Goa District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered the evacuation of the entire Junta House building in Panaji within 30 days, citing severe structural deterioration and imminent safety hazards.
The directive was issued on Tuesday by Collector and DDMA Chairperson Ankit Yadav, IAS, under Section 34 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005. The move follows multiple reports and inspections revealing alarming damage to the decades-old government building, which houses several offices, including the Registrar of Societies on the fourth floor.
According to the order, the building—constructed approximately 60 years ago—has developed extensive structural defects, including spalling plaster, deep cracks, corrosion of steel reinforcements, and severe dampness across multiple floors. A joint inspection conducted in May by officials from the Public Works Department (PWD), the Fire Services Department, and the Registrar’s Office identified several critical safety issues, including a severely corroded RCC column and the absence of essential fire protection measures.
The structural audit report prepared by M/s Consortium Consultants and submitted by the PWD concluded that the building is “structurally vulnerable and poses a safety hazard,” adding that retrofitting was not economically feasible.
“On the basis of the structural audit report submitted by PWD, this authority is satisfied that the Junta House building is in dilapidated and dangerous condition,” the Collector stated in the order.
The Under Secretary of the General Administration Department (GAD) has been directed to initiate and complete the evacuation process of all occupants and offices housed in Junta House within 30 days, with the final deadline set for August 2, 2025. The GAD has also been instructed to submit an action-taken report to the Collectorate by the same date.
The order comes in the backdrop of Circular No. 1/16/2/2025-RD/7140 issued by the Revenue Department last month, which called for urgent action to identify and secure old and unsafe structures across the state that pose a threat to life and property, especially during the monsoon season.
Government officials said the evacuation is likely to impact multiple departments and public services operating from the building. Alternate arrangements are expected to be announced shortly to minimize disruption to the public.
Sources indicated that this may be among the first of several actions targeting old government buildings in Goa, as the authorities intensify scrutiny over structural safety in the wake of repeated complaints and the heightened risks posed by heavy rains.
The Junta House complex, a familiar landmark in the heart of Panaji, has long struggled with maintenance issues, but this is the first time such a categorical evacuation order has been issued.
Occupants and visitors have been advised to exercise caution and prepare for relocation in coordination with the General Administration Department over the coming weeks.
