Panaji Junta House Audit Flags Safety Risk, Relocation Mandated
Panaji’s iconic Junta House has been declared structurally unsafe following a comprehensive audit by public works experts, prompting authorities to mandate a complete evacuation within 30 days. The mid-20th century building, which houses major government departments and draws significant daily footfall, is now under urgent scrutiny due to visible deterioration and internal corrosion. This decision reflects a broader push to redevelop ageing government infrastructure in Goa to protect both public and administrative safety.
The North Goa administration has issued an evacuation notice for Junta House, one of Panaji’s oldest and most frequented government buildings, after a detailed structural audit found critical damage within the decades-old structure. Experts involved in the audit conducted non-destructive testing, revealing extensive decay in the reinforced concrete, including visible corrosion in steel bars and crumbling supports. These findings raised red flags about the building’s ability to safely accommodate the hundreds of daily visitors and staff who rely on its services. Authorities cited the safety of both citizens and personnel as the driving factor behind the decision, indicating that continued occupation would pose unacceptable risks. Junta House, a symbol of Goa’s post-Liberation civic development, has long been due for restoration, and its current state has prompted swift administrative action. In light of these findings, departments currently operating within the building are being asked to relocate operations within a 30-day window.
As part of a larger initiative to modernise public infrastructure, the state government has finalised an agreement with NBCC (India) Ltd to redevelop six key government buildings, including Junta House. This redevelopment will occur in phases to minimise disruption to essential services. Authorities said the current condition of Junta House aligns with their broader strategy to replace deteriorating civic buildings with safe, efficient, and climate-resilient structures. Meanwhile, the urgency of relocation has led to concerns about the immediate availability of alternate office space. The move also comes amid similar safety-driven actions across Goa, such as in Ponda, where vendors from a dilapidated market building were relocated to safer levels of the market complex. These actions signal a statewide emphasis on structural safety and public accountability. While some resistance from occupants is expected, officials are proceeding with the evacuation and redevelopment plans, stressing the primacy of human safety over heritage sentiment.
The directive to vacate Junta House underscores a growing consensus among civic authorities to prioritise structural integrity in public buildings. Once celebrated as a symbol of post-Liberation urban growth in Panaji, the building now represents a cautionary tale of ageing infrastructure left unattended for too long. As departments prepare to shift and redevelopment plans gain momentum, this transition could mark a turning point in Goa’s approach to civic planning and urban renewal. Public safety remains at the core of this decision, which also highlights the necessity of pre-emptive infrastructure audits across the state’s ageing institutional landscape.
