Following an IIT Madras structural audit report that red flagged several design and execution defects in the 'supposed' renovation works at Kala Academy, a government appointed task force has recommended shuttering the Dinanath Mangeshkar auditorium for repairing the earlier 'repairs', this closure would throw the whole Goan cultural season out of gear and many artistes will incur monetary losses. Almost Rs 50 crores has already been paid to the contracting agency which was famously awarded the work by the then minister Govind Gaude sans inviting bids. The government should try to recover the cost of fresh rectification works arising from the earlier faulty work executed at Kala Academy. As usual there is absolutely nil accountability on part of the sarkar. In future only structural rehabilitation specialists with a proven track record (and working under the supervision of the Correa Foundation and IIT Madras) should be awarded the job. If required contractors from abroad should be invited. Maybe a corporate body could fund the exercise as a CSR initiative. As a 61-year-old retired architect it saddens me to see the pathetic state of this architectural gem designed by my childhood hero Charles Correa.
