THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
Kala Academy’s long-delayed main auditorium is finally set for a major overhaul, with renovation work to begin on August 1 after an expert committee submits its final report on the venue’s structural, acoustic and technical flaws, chairman Chandrakant Kavlekar said on Thursday.
Kavlekar said around Rs 10 crore has been withheld from the previous contractor until the expert report is submitted and revised estimates are finalised, while the remaining sanctioned funds have already been released.
Kala Academy Member Secretary Shankar Gaonkar said the expert committee has completed inspections related to structural stability, acoustics, lighting and sound systems. Structural expert Dr Radhakrishna Pillai of IIT Madras has also examined the building and is expected to submit final recommendations on the repairs and rectification measures required.
“Once we receive the final report, the work will commence around August 1,” Gaonkar said.
He clarified that only the main auditorium will remain closed during the renovation, while all other Kala Academy activities will continue uninterrupted.
“Our music classes, administrative offices, the Black Box theatre and other facilities will continue to function. We have ensured that artists’ activities are not affected,” he said.
Gaonkar said the final cost of repairs will depend on the expert committee’s assessment. If the work exceeds the Rs 10 crore set aside, Kala Academy will seek additional funds from the state government.
Kavlekar added that the experts will determine whether the repairs required are minor or major. “If additional funds are needed, we will place the proposal before the Chief Minister,” he said.
