Congress seeks inquiry after audience members reportedly faced discomfort during a tiatr performance in auditorium
MARGAO
Congress leader Amit Patkar on Friday alleged that the air-conditioning system at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, was not functioning properly due to poor supervision and inadequate maintenance.
Speaking to reporters after attending a tiatr at the Pai Tiatrist Hall along with Congress leaders Everson Vales and Lincon Gomes, Patkar claimed that members of the audience were left sweating inside the auditorium because of insufficient cooling.
“We chose to watch the tiatr from the Z row. To our shock and surprise, there was no cooling in the back rows. We were literally sweating inside the auditorium and finally decided to leave,” Patkar said.
He further said that the Congress delegation sought an explanation from Ravindra Bhavan officials regarding the issue, but was informed that the theatre manager was on leave.
“We approached the Member Secretary, who confirmed that the theatre manager was on leave. Another official, called in by the Member Secretary, claimed that the AC inside the auditorium was functioning at seven degrees. If that were true, we would have felt like we were in Kashmir. Instead, we were sweating and eventually walked out,” Patkar remarked.
Patkar demanded an inquiry into the incident, especially in light of the crores of rupees reportedly spent by the government on repairs and maintenance of the auditorium.
“We fail to understand what the Ravindra Bhavan management is doing. Are they interested in promoting tiatr and natak, or are they trying to destroy Goa’s rich cultural heritage?” he questioned.
