PANAJI: Kala Academy will remain closed from August 1 as corrective repair work begins following an IIT Madras report that identified 18 major defects in the renovation project. The Task Force overseeing the complex has also sought accountability from the contractor, alleging that nearly 80% of the project expenditure was wasted.
Speaking to reporters today, Task Force Chairman Vijay Kenkre confirmed that the first phase of work will focus on the main auditorium, with a decision on the open-air auditorium still pending. “The discussion confirmed that work will start on August 1. The IIT Madras report has arrived, and the PWD will now begin actual work based on it,” Kenkre said.
He added that a fresh tender is likely to be floated for the corrective works and that consultants have been appointed to supervise the process along with the Public Works Department. “We have appointed a consultant, and meetings between the consultant and PWD are underway,” he said.
Kenkre said some academic activity may continue during the repair period. “Classes will run partially; some classrooms and offices will still function,” he noted, adding that a final decision will be taken once work progresses and the full scope of dismantling is assessed.
Task Force member Francis Coelho raised concerns over the financial scale of the project, claiming large-scale wastage of public funds. “Nearly Rs 60 crore was spent on the renovation, but around 80% of it has gone to waste due to faulty execution,” he alleged, calling for accountability and recovery of costs from the contractor.
He further stated that structural issues had been ignored in favour of cosmetic work. “Instead of addressing waterproofing and structural requirements, only cosmetic fixes were done. IIT Madras has pointed out rusting and other serious defects,” Coelho said.
According to him, bills worth around Rs 80 crore were raised, of which Rs 50-60 crore has already been paid. “We are demanding that this money be recovered from the contractor or that the work be completed at his cost,” he added.
The Task Force has reiterated that corrective work must be carried out in line with the IIT Madras findings, with oversight from technical experts and the Charles Correa Foundation.
Meanwhile, concerns over the open-air auditorium remain unresolved. Task Force member Devidas Amonkar warned that delays in repairs could trigger further action. “We had warned the Principal Chief Engineer to fix it before it deteriorates further. If not, we will be forced to stage our third protest,” he said.
Amonkar also stressed the cultural importance of the venue, noting its role in hosting major competitions and events over the years. “Artists like Pandit Zakir Hussain and Lata Mangeshkar have performed here. It is an important space for young talent, but it has been neglected,” he said.
He added that procedural delays had slowed earlier efforts, but said progress was now being made. “We protested for a year earlier, and that led to the formation of this Task Force. Now IIT has submitted its report, consultants are in place, and work has finally begun,” he said.
Kenkre said timelines for completion will be decided realistically based on technical requirements. “There is no point in setting arbitrary deadlines. If the work requires 60 days, it should not be forced into 30. It is better to take adequate time and complete it properly,” he said.
The Task Force said discussions on whether the entire complex needs to be shut down during repairs will continue as work advances.
