Margao: Demands are growing for the rehabilitation of families evacuated from a dilapidated building at Borda, after another portion of the structure collapsed on Wednesday evening.A sunshade (chajja) of the building near the Govt Multipurpose ITI complex collapsed, prompting authorities to evacuate its occupants and residents of neighbouring houses as a precaution. Some have taken shelter with relatives.Sub-divisional magistrate Ganesh Barve, who visited the spot, said a report on the building’s status would be submitted to South Goa collector Egna Cleetus for further action. He said the building’s safety can be determined only after a structural stability test.This is the second such incident in less than a month. On Oct 24, part of a balcony collapsed around 4am, followed by another portion hours later. No casualties were reported.BJP state president Damodar Naik said he would try to secure maximum govt assistance for the affected families. “They will be housed in shelter homes urgently before steps are initiated to rehabilitate them. I will speak to the chief minister on the issue,” he said. Noting that Margao has many such old buildings, he added that govt should provide a policy for their redevelopment.Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who visited the site on Thursday to follow up on the proposed redevelopment, said he had spoken to the chief town planner about special residential zone classification, amalgamation of plots and 300 FAR. “Existing occupants must receive new flats in their own names, ensuring their rightful ownership and long-term security through redevelopment,” he said.
