Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, May 25: As pre-monsoon showers lash Goa and the South West Monsoon arrives ahead of schedule, two of the State’s key government buildings Junta House and the Social Welfare Department office continue to operate in a precarious state, despite serious concerns over their structural stability.
Rainwater has already begun seeping through the walls and stairwells of the seven-storey Junta House complex, which houses multiple government offices in the heart of Panaji. Sources confirmed to The Goan that though demolition has been approved, a lack of alternate space for relocation is stalling the process.
“The government has cleared demolition, but the shift is delayed due to unavailability of suitable premises. We are actively looking, but until then, work continues as usual,” an official said.
The situation is no better at the Social Welfare Department, housed in a 121-year-old Portuguese-era structure. While plans are underway to relocate the office to a new facility at the Goa Housing Board complex in Porvorim, the shifting has yet to be completed. “Work is progressing, and the department will move soon,” an official source stated.
In July 2024, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant had confirmed that the heritage-tagged Social Welfare building could only be restored, not demolished. Later, in August, Social Welfare Minister Subhash Phal Dessai acknowledged the risks, citing incidents of falling plaster and the need for urgent relocation. Renovations, including installation of infrastructure and furnishings, are reportedly underway at the new site.
A significant breakthrough came in November 2024 when the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) was awarded a Rs 10,000 crore redevelopment project, covering six major government properties including Junta House. The project spans 1.8 lac sq metres and will be implemented in phases without financial burden on the State.
The redevelopment plan includes government offices, hotels, commercial areas, and a mini-convention centre at Patto, aiming to enhance Goa’s urban infrastructure and generate non-tax revenue for the State.
For now, however, staff and citizens continue to navigate unsafe corridors, even as the rains threaten both lives and vital records.