Dawood blaze highlights perils of unsafe structures at Margao

Margao: The recent fire at the Dawood Building has brought attention to Margao’s growing issue with unsafe structures. The damaged building joins the list of over 20 properties declared unsafe by the Margao Municipal Council (MMC).

Fire officials said the blaze on Wednesday took over three hours to control. While there were no casualties, several families were displaced. Some took shelter with relatives, while others were moved to temporary shelters.

Dawood Building’s owners said they cannot afford repairs because of low rent from tenants, which is a common dilemma faced by many property owners in the city.

“This fire should serve as a wake-up call. These structures pose serious safety hazards not just to occupants but nearby buildings as well,” said a fire official.

The Dawood Building situation reflects the issue of ageing structures in Margao, stuck under rent control laws, reluctant landlords, and tenants with protected rights. Due to the Goa Buildings (Lease, Rent & Eviction) Control Act of 1968, many tenants still pay as little as Rs 20–50 monthly, leaving landlords unable to fund repairs.

“Even after this fire, I predict little will change systemically. Landlords cannot afford maintenance with minimal rental income, while tenants refuse to vacate due to their legal protections,” said a lawyer.

The MMC has issued notices to evacuate unsafe buildings, but enforcement is problematic. Former MMC chairperson Savio Coutinho said the council has issued even new trade licences to businesses in declared unsafe structures.

Civil society has been urging authorities to revoke trade licences for businesses in unsafe buildings. With debris from the Dawood Building fire still uncleared, urban planners are calling for rent control and redevelopment reforms, warning Margao’s unsafe buildings may cause a disaster soon.