PANAJI
Less than three years after it reopened following an extensive renovation, Goa's iconic Kala Academy is set for another partial closure, with corrective repair work scheduled to begin from August 1 after an inspection by Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras identified 18 major defects in the renovated structure.
The cultural complex had remained closed since 2021 for renovation and strengthening works before being reopened to the public in November 2023. The State government spent nearly Rs 56 crore on the renovation project and later sanctioned an additional Rs 10 crore in 2024 for further repairs.
Speaking to media persons, Task Force Chairman Vijay Kenkre said the first phase of corrective work would focus on the main auditorium, while a decision on repairs to the open-air auditorium is yet to be taken."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 said a fresh tender is likely to be floated for the corrective works and that consultants have already been appointed to supervise the process alongside the PWD. He said that academic activities may continue during the repair period, with certain classrooms and offices remaining operational.
Kenkre said timelines for completion of the repairs would be determined based on technical requirements rather than arbitrary deadlines. "It is better to take adequate time and complete the work properly," he said.
The development follows a field inspection carried out by IIT Madras on September 23, 2025, at the request of Kala Academy authorities through the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF).
Task Force member Francis Coelho alleged that nearly 80 per cent of the expenditure incurred on the renovation had gone to waste because of faulty execution and demanded accountability and recovery of costs from the contractor.
He alleged that critical structural issues were overlooked in favour of cosmetic improvements. "Instead of addressing waterproofing and structural requirements, only cosmetic fixes were done. IIT Madras has pointed out rusting and other serious defects," he said.
Coelho pointed out that bills amounting to nearly Rs 80 cr were raised for the project, of which between Rs 50 cr and Rs 60 cr has already been paid. He demanded that the expenditure be recovered from the contractor or that the remedial work be carried out at the contractor's cost.
The Task Force has maintained that all corrective measures should be implemented strictly in accordance with the IIT Madras findings under the supervision of technical experts and the CCF.
The Task Force will continue deliberations on whether the entire Kala Academy complex needs to be closed during the repair period as the scope of the corrective works becomes clearer.
