Abdul Wahab Khan
Panaji: Government employees and citizens continue to face risk to their lives after a section of the UPS room ceiling collapsed at the dilapidated office of the District Registrar and Inspector General of Societies at Junta House, Panaji on Thursday morning. No injuries were reported.
The office, located on the fourth floor of the building, is operating under unsafe conditions due to structural deterioration and administrative inaction.
A directive issued by the North Goa District Collector in March had ordered the evacuation of Junta House. The order has not been implemented as departments cited a lack of available alternative premises.
Ceiling debris and broken concrete were seen scattered across the UPS room, raising safety concerns for staff working in the premises. Government records and documents remain at risk due to the buildingâs condition. Areas such as the LDC workstation and photocopy section show signs of corrosion in slabs and columns.
Exposed ceiling and structural components remain unaddressed, with damaged columns posing danger.
The office continues to face frequent power disruptions, increasing the risk of fire and further deterioration.
On the buildingâs exterior, the balcony area shows signs of prolonged neglect. The concrete railings are corroded, and rust stains indicate possible damage to internal reinforcement bars. Water seepage is also evident. Potted plants placed on equipment boxes suggest continued use of the space despite visible structural damage.
A joint inspection was conducted in May following a citizen complaint. Officials from the fire department, talathi office, and the Public Works
Department participated in the inspection. However, no follow-up action has been taken since.
We will zero down on a location within the next four days and shift the office,â he said.
