The Times of India           30.07.2013

Old municipal building spared MMC axe

MARGAO: The historic CamaraMuncipal de Salsette building, still showing glimpses of its old grandeur, faces the axe of demolition, but heritage lovers see a ray of hope, as its owner has shown interest in restoring the crumbling edifice.

Built in 1778 during the Portuguese regime, it stood majestically along the old market road near the city's entrance, slowly disintegrating due to neglect and exposure to the elements after its abandonment about a century ago. "The timber roof of the ground plus one masonry building has completely collapsed," Jose Lourenco, a civil engineer and heritage lover, said.

A part of the wall on the first floor collapsed recently. Taking cognizance of its unsafe condition, Margao Municipal Council (MMC) initiated the process for its demolition.

MMC chief officer Deepali Naik confirmed that the notice was issued to the owners on May 23 under the provisions of the Goa Municipalities Act.

"The South Goa collector had written to the MMC to initiate demolition proceedings as the building was in a dilapidated condition and endangered the lives of the occupants and the public as well," Naik told TOI.

Heritage lovers, upset about the possible loss of the city's historic landmark, approached the MMC and the owners with a plea to conserve the building. "This old building which served as a municipal building for about 120 years since 1778 needs to be conserved and protected for posterity," Prajal Sakhardande of the Goa heritage action group said.

But the MMC chief officer said the civic body cannot consider its conservation as it is private property.

Restoring and partly reconstructing the building is possible. "The restoration can be done as the foundations are very strong. The ground floor masonry can be repaired but the first floor masonry has to be reconstructed," Lourenco said.

MMC should ensure the occupants' evacuation and put up a temporary barricade around it. "No person should be allowed to occupy any of the rooms and conduct any business," Lourenco added.

Alina Araujo Vaz, the owner of the historic building, denied that her family had received the notice.

"We have written to MMC, informing it that we will restore the building," Vaz told TOI on Monday.