PANAJI
The government-appointed task force has recommended an urgent structural audit of the renovated Kala Academy while raising serious concerns over the Rs 60 crore spent on the project from 2021-2023.
In a damning assessment, report of which was submitted to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant last week, the committee concluded that the entire expenditure has been rendered futile due to glaring technical and structural shortcomings.
Although the government is yet to issue an official statement, the Chief Engineer-II of the Public Works Department has already instructed executive engineers to begin immediate remedial work.
Headed by noted theatre personality Vijay Kenkre, the committee found multiple flaws in the renovation, which was carried out under the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC). The findings suggested systemic mismanagement, pointing at defects from acoustic failings and poor air-conditioning to substandard lighting and a compromised theatre structure.
In its report, the committee warned that an additional Rs 25 crore would be needed to rectify the existing damage and make the facility safe and functional. A further Rs 40 crore is estimated for the reconstruction of the collapsed slab of the open-air theatre -- failure not disclosed during or immediately after the renovation.
Sources told The Goan that preparations for a fresh renovation project are already underway, including verification of past work, quality audits and the likely issuance of new tenders.
The committee relied heavily on the input of architect Rajan Bhise and technical expert Sheetal Talpade. Besides an urgent comprehensive structural audit, their recommendations also called for sweeping changes across the facility such as appointing an acoustic consultant, installation of wall panels up to 8 inches high, removal and redesign of obstructive AC ducts, reinstallation of AC units, redesign of the false ceiling to suit the new AC layout; complete overhaul of wiring, lighting, and the sound system and structural reconstruction of the open-air theatre among others.
Architect Bhise specifically highlighted that critical design flaws were left unaddressed during the renovation, compromising both usability and safety.
Artists as well as the general public had long voiced dissatisfaction with the revamp of Kala Academy, citing poor sound quality, obstructed views and water leakage from AC ducts during performances. Mounting public pressure forced the government to appoint the expert task force.
Meanwhile, according to directives issued by the Chief Engineer to Executive Engineers, a detailed investigation will now determine whether the deficiencies identified by the expert committee were already covered in the original tender.
“In cases where approved works were completed using substandard materials or only partially executed, contractors have been directed to undertake immediate repairs or reconstruction to ensure quality and compliance. Should any recommended works fall outside the original scope, a separate tender process will be initiated. For this, the PWD has begun preparing new tenders based on detailed technical inputs from consultants engaged by the expert committee,” an official told The Goan.
