Panjim Landmark Junta House to Be Demolished, Raising Heritage Concerns
Junta House, a historic six-storey structure in the heart of Panjim, is set to be demolished following a safety advisory triggered by a structural audit. Once a symbol of Goa’s post-Liberation modernisation, the 1966-era building is now slated for redevelopment under a large-scale infrastructure plan. As memories resurface and heritage concerns grow, the move reflects a broader debate over how Goa balances its urban identity, safety imperatives, and historical preservation in an era of vertical city growth.
Built shortly after Liberation, Junta House was Goa’s first modern high-rise and a milestone in Panjim’s vertical development. Located along 18th June Road, it originally housed both residential units and several administrative offices, serving as the de facto civic hub for decades. From transport and registration to civil supplies and planning, it became synonymous with everyday governance for residents of Tiswadi and beyond. Its marble floors, expansive balconies, and Swami Vivekanand Hall once reflected the ambition of a new era. But the building’s structural integrity has reportedly deteriorated, prompting an evacuation notice after a technical audit deemed it a public safety hazard. While preservation advocates stress the building’s cultural significance, experts argue that inadequate maintenance, not faulty construction, led to its decline. The structure, now earmarked for redevelopment by a national real estate firm, is among six projects planned without state funding but faces scrutiny over urban congestion and civic needs.
The redevelopment of Junta House is part of a ₹10,000 crore infrastructure initiative, but its legacy remains contested. While redevelopment may bring a modern commercial and administrative space, critics warn of repeating past planning oversights. The building currently lacks parking facilities—an issue that has compounded traffic congestion on Panjim’s busiest road. Heritage observers argue that any future design must incorporate sustainable infrastructure, including sufficient multi-level parking, to accommodate current vehicle density. Additionally, citizens are calling for the retention of the Junta House name as a symbolic link to Goa’s post-colonial identity. Experts suggest that while change is inevitable, it must be rooted in respect for the city’s historical context. As redevelopment begins, questions remain whether the new structure will merely replace the old or redefine Panjim’s urban narrative. The building that once stood as a beacon of modernity now becomes a test case for inclusive and heritage-sensitive city planning.
Junta House’s demolition signifies more than just structural decay—it mirrors the transitional path Goa’s urban planning has taken since Liberation. While safety and functional upgrades are vital, the emotional and cultural footprint of such structures demands thoughtful engagement. The new building may rise taller and smarter, but its success depends on whether it honours the spirit of what it replaces. For Panjim, this is not just an architectural change—it’s a reflection point on how history, heritage, and infrastructure must converge to shape a city that is safe, efficient, and culturally rooted for generations to come.
