PWD flags safety concerns at Margao’s Ravindra Bhavan, calls for urgent repairs

The false ceiling of the Pai Tiatrist hall at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.

MARGAO
The PWD inspection report of the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao has pointed out that certain part of false ceiling of the main auditorium and the Black Box has collapsed.

That’s not all. The report stated that dampness has been observed along the rest of the false ceiling of the auditorium due to incessant and unexpected cyclonic effect.

It has been further observed in the report that the glass wool over false ceiling has been found damp and is required to be replaced.

Besides, acoustic wall panels provided around periphery of stage has been damaged due to dampness, with the report further pointing out that there is every possibility of damaging electrical wiring due to dampness caused by incessant rain.

“With these observations, it is opined that all the false ceiling work along with electrical wiring shall be taken up on top priority along with acoustic wall panelling before making Ravindra Bhavan operational so as to avoid any untoward incident considering safety of the public,” the report submitted by the PWD Assistant Engineer stated.

Based on the report, PWD Executive Engineer has put up a remark stating that all the required work as reported by the Assistant Engineer shall be carried out prior to making Ravindra Bhavan operational to the public.

TAG delegation to meet CM for funds sanction, seeks cooperation

MARGAO: Making a fervent plea to tiatr directors to cooperate with Ravindra Bhavan, Margao management to take up the repair work on the false ceiling, Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) president Anthony Barbosa has said he will lead a delegation to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to expedite sanction of funds on priority for the repair works.

He said the Pai Tiatrist hall and the Black Box have been closed until further orders in view of the report submitted by the PWD that it is risky to make the auditorium operational without undertaking the false ceiling and other works. “We expect the PWD Chief Architect and engineers to inspect the auditorium. In the meantime, we along with Ravindra Bhavan, Chairman Rajendra Talak, BJP State president Damu Naik and others will lead a delegation to the Chief Minister to sanction the necessary funds on priority. Our whole priority now is to get the funds and expedite the repair work so that tiatr resumes once again at the Pai Tiatrist hall,” Barbosa said.

I understand sentiments of tiatr fraternity, but I am helpless: Talak on delay in repairs

MARGAO: Ravindra Bhavan, Margao Chairman Rajendra Talak said he understands the situation of the tiatr fraternity, as the Pai Tiatrist Hall will be out of bounds for staging tiatrs, but he hastened to add that he is helpless.

He, however, said he along with Margao MLA Digambar Kamat and others will immediately call on Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to sanction funds to take up the repair work and pave the way for the PWD to set in motion the tendering process. “I understand the sentiments of the tiatrists and the tiart lovers, but I am helpless. Nothing is in my hand. We had closed the auditorium for programmes from May 19, but the pre-monsoon showers threw the schedule haywire,” he said.

To a question, Talak said the work on the roof is complete, but PWD inspection has now revealed the false ceiling has collapsed. “Since the PWD looks after the upkeep and maintenance, they will replace the false ceiling. On our part, we will supervise the work on a day-to-day basis to ensure the work is complete as per the time schedule. We will hold a meeting with the Tiatr fraternity and explain them the circumstances which forced the management to shut the auditorium,” he added.