Shaky Margao building finally being vacated

Margao: Occupants of the “structurally unsafe” building near Cine Lata in Margao began vacating their premises following the South Goa collector’s instructions for evacuation that were issued after Tuesday night’s partial gallery collapse.

District administration sources confirmed that when officials from the Salcete mamlatdar’s office arrived at the site on Thursday morning to comply with the collector’s directives, occupants were already in the process of moving out.

The building houses multiple commercial establishments across its ground and first floors.

It is learnt that the owner of the building later met the South Goa Collector and requested for a day’s time to allow the tenants to complete the shifting of their goods from the building.

Collector Egna Cleetus ordered on Wednesday that all commercial activities cease within 24 hours, citing serious public safety concerns.

The collector’s order, issued under the Disaster Management Act 2005, also mandates sealing of the entire premises, including staircases and access points.