Daijiworld Media Network – Margao

Margao, Jun 11: A portion of an already crumbling building near the Cine Lata area collapsed late Tuesday evening, triggering fresh concerns over the authorities’ delay in acting on repeated warnings about the structure's dangerous condition.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported as the debris fell onto the busy Cine Lata road, narrowly missing commuters.

This is the third such collapse in the city in less than a month — two similar incidents were reported earlier near Pimpalkatta and Cine Lata within a 24-hour span, prompting authorities to take partial action.

Following the initial collapses, South Goa Collector Egna Cleetus had directed the PWD (Buildings) to demolish the hazardous sections of the building at Pimpalkatta, which was carried out last Sunday. However, no such order was issued regarding the Cine Lata structure, despite its visibly deteriorating state.

Margao MLA Digambar Kamat, who visited the site along with Salcete Mamlatdar Vimod Dalal, told reporters that he has asked the authorities to barricade the road immediately as a precautionary measure.

“The PWD acted swiftly in Pimpalkatta, and a similar demolition exercise must begin here as well. We cannot afford another incident that puts lives at risk,” he said.

Kamat added that the Collector has issued orders to identify and invite tenders for the demolition of all unsafe structures in the city.

Residents and business owners in the area have urged the Margao Municipal Council and district administration to act before another mishap occurs. The public outcry is growing as more people question the delay and lack of coordination among civic agencies despite visible threats to life and property.