PANAJI
After several deadlines over two years, the iconic art and culture centre -- Kala Academy -- is finally set to re-open for the public on Friday, November 10.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude confirmed that the venue will be made available for the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI), after missing out on two previous editions due to repair works.
At a press conference held in the capital on Monday, the minister revealed that Chief Minister Pramod Sawant will inaugurate the renovated structure on November 10, being Dhanteras festival.
However, the open auditorium that witnessed a slab collapse this monsoon will remain closed until repair works are completed.
“Except for the open auditorium, the entire structure is ready and it will be inaugurated by CM Pramod Sawant. We have ensured world-class facilities including installing new sound systems, stage, lighting, crafts, surveillance, etc. The air conditioners are partially new and the remaining are placed back after necessary repairs,” the minister said.
With a 10-day gap between the re-opening of the KA and the commencement of IFFI, Gaude stated that they will conduct checks to identify and rectify any probable hiccups prior to the annual extravaganza. “If there are any issues, they will be sorted before IFFI,” he said adding, “The work on the open auditorium has not started yet. The Public Works Department is working on the design, architects, etc.”
The IFFI is scheduled to begin on November 20 till 28 during which over 270 films will be showcased. With the KA’s re-opening most likely, some of the film screenings are expected to be held at the venue.
The original tender’s cost of Rs 56 crore allegedly exceeded Rs 65 crore approx while the government kept postponing the re-opening dates. As works slowly began in May 2021, it had earlier set the deadline of completion of the renovation works in August 2021, which was postponed to February 2022, then November 2022, December 2022, July-end 2023, August 2023, October 2023, and finally November 20, 2023.
