Daijiworld Media Network – Vasco
Vasco, Aug 30: A major scare gripped Vasco on Friday morning after two balconies of Happy Apartments collapsed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, though a two-wheeler parked in the basement was damaged in the mishap.
Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, along with councillor Shami Salkar, rushed to the spot and alerted officials, including the Mamlatdar, Traffic Cell and Fire Brigade, who quickly arrived to assess the damage.
Speaking at the site, MLA Salkar stressed the urgent need for accountability. “It is high time owners of dilapidated buildings are held responsible, and liability fixed. Many of these abandoned structures pose a huge risk to residents and passersby,” he said.
Salkar drew attention to a vacant, crumbling building near Vasco police station, warning that it could collapse anytime. “Hundreds use that road daily. I have raised this issue multiple times in the Assembly, urging strict action and a clear policy,” he added.
Calling on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to act swiftly, Salkar said the government should demolish unsafe structures, seal off affected areas, and recover costs with penalties from owners. “Today’s incident is an eye-opener. Thankfully, due to Ganesh Chaturthi, no one was present, or we could have witnessed a tragedy,” he remarked.
He urged residents to prioritise safety and utilise the new FAR scheme offering 300 FAR for redevelopment. “Builders and owners must take advantage of the scheme instead of risking lives,” he advised.
Highlighting that several government-owned structures, including MMC and PWD quarters in Vasco, are also in dangerous condition, Salkar said, “Slab collapses have already been reported. These must be replaced through new constructions under PPP or other models.”
Warning that public safety cannot be delayed any further, the MLA said, “Unless demolition begins immediately, a major tragedy is only a matter of time.”
The collapse has once again spotlighted the urgent need to address unsafe and neglected buildings across Vasco before disaster strikes.