PANJIM: Over two years have passed since the Krishnadas Shama State Central Library’s central air-conditioning system stopped functioning, not only inconveniencing readers but also threatening to damage age-old collections of books and manuscripts. The absence of ceiling fans in the building has forced the authorities to make do with pedestal fans at various locations in a desperate attempt to provide some sort of ventilation.

The government, which has been moving at a snail’s pace so far to get the matter rectified, is likely to grant financial approval for repairs of the system in a week or two. Director of the art and culture department Sagun Velip, said the file seeking approval has already been moved, while art and culture minister Govind Gaude confirmed that repairs will be executed with a month or a month-and-a-half. “I will look into the matter myself to fast-track the work,” he said.

An eminent writer said a central AC system is vital to any library as the pages of old texts could otherwise turn brittle and start disintegrating in extreme heat conditions, especially during the summers.

Senior librarian Sulaksha Kolmule, who is presently in charge of the library, said repair and installation of parts in the AC system is estimated to cost Rs 1.7 crore and that it will be taken up by Daikin Industries Ltd, which had installed the AC system while the library was being constructed back in 2011.

Librarian Kolmule said the variable refrigerant volume (VRV) control system needs to be completely replaced. The system is a multi-split type AC for commercial buildings, which uses variable refrigerant flow control to provide customers with the ability to maintain individual zone control in each room and floor of a building.