the goan I network
PANAJI
Even as Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude on Wednesday said that a major decision on demolition of one part of Kala Academy would be taken in September this year, the government has already directed the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) to re-design the roof in the interim period.
Gaude said that the government had informed the High Court in the last hearing on the matter two days and that the re-designing contract had already been given to the GSIDC. When asked why the government was touching the roof, Gaude claimed to the media at a press conference, “If we don’t put in a temporary roof, the structure will collapse.” According to him, the temporary roof is required to protect the structure from the rain.
Meanwhile, Gaude said that a decision on the demolition could not be taken before September on account of first the code of conduct, later the monsoons, and finally, as the matter was still in the High Court.
He also said that
tentatively, Kala Academy would remain open till May 31, subject to the next High Court hearing date.
As far as safety is concerned, he once more claimed that since the premises were deteriorating, the structure couldn’t be used as it was. “As of now, the only thing we’re giving on rent is the auditorium, but we have vacated everything else. The classes that used to be held have been shifted to the side,” Gaude said.
Meanwhile, when asked whether demolition was required at all, since the report given out by IIT Madras had said there was no need to demolish the structure, Gaude said, “Just because IIT Madras report says the structure doesn’t have to be touched, doesn’t mean we will go by that, because other reports we’ve received say the structure is in a deteriorated condition.”
