17 May 2022  |   07:09am IST

Gaude lashes out at CCF over Kala Academy issue

Questions as to who is CCF to dictate terms to govt; Says not possible to retain all the old features at the time of such major repairs and renovation

Team Herald

PANJIM: Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude on Monday lashed out at the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF) for questioning the ongoing renovation work of the Kala Academy building at Campal-Panjim. 

“Who are they (CCF) to dictate terms to the government. How they came to know that there are changes when even I am unaware about it? It is not possible to retain all the old features at the time of such major repairs and renovation,” he said.

Gaude said that the CCF may be renowned architects but they should know that all old features cannot be retained at the time of renovation. They are talking of designs and aesthetics but what about its maintenance?, he asked.   

Gaude squarely blamed the faulty design of the Kala Academy for the current situation of the structure. He said that the then government had appointed architect Charles Correa as consultant and it was his duty to inform the government that there were sand dunes and that main hall was designed below sea level.

Claiming that he is also a professional engineer, Gaude appealed to the people not to give importance to nuisance value of CCF. “We are working for the people and using tax payers money for renovation work of Kala Academy,” he said demanding to know who are CCF to interfere into the government work. Is it their private property? he asked.