At a public meeting in Margao, light was shed on the government’s mishandling of Kala Academy which was once celebrated as India’s premiere cultural institute.
It is learnt that extensive damage has been inflicted upon this revered institution. There is an urgent need to address KA’s structural and aesthetic issues.
Despite crores of rupees being spent on repair work, light rains caused roofs to leak thereby disrupting tiatr shows. It is common knowledge that the renovation work was undertaken by the government without a proper tender process.
The symbol of Goa’s rich cultural heritage had suffered from gross mismanagement. Right from the sound system to air-conditioning and lighting, everything is in bad shape.
The safety aspect has also been compromised which poses risk to the visitors as well. It may be recalled that the entire slab of the open air auditorium portion collapsed in July last year.
The question that arises is whether the iconic structure is beyond repair. When crores of rupees are being spent for its upkeep without any tangible results, the government could consider razing down the 40-year old structure and build a new edifice at the spot engaging the best of architects and a proven construction company by taking all artistes and stakeholders on board.
