After its inauguration, the Ravindra Bhavan had to undergo maintenance and repair works
Bhavan was put to test to screen a Konkani film but it failed miserably
TEAM HERALD
It should have been abuzz with activities in art and culture, yet controversy continues to stalk the ambitious Ravindra Bhavan in Baina-Vasco and it is now lying idle ever since it was inaugurated five months ago.
Mindful of growing annoyance over a delay in commencing programmes and events at the Ravindra Bhavan, Power Minister and local MLA Milind Naik has now convened a meeting on May 19 to finalize decisions pertaining to the Ravindra Bhavan.
The Ravindra Bhawan has been courting controversy ever since the project was conceived in the area. Following the demolition of the infamous Baina red-light area, there were demands to utilize prime area along the coast for tourism-related activities.
However, a politician snubbed all such demands and insisted on setting up an art and cultural centre in the area. The Ravindra Bhavan took shape despite considerable opposition and the foundation for the project was laid by former revenue minister Jose Philip D’Souza on December 19, 2007 at an estimated cost of Rs 23 crore.
By June 2012, the cost had escalated to Rs 40 crore and the actual cost of the project on completion is unclear as work have been recently carried out at the Ravindra Bhavan.
The Ravindra Bhavan was inaugurated amid much fanfare by Art and Culture Minister Dayanand Mandrekar on December 12, 2013.
The Ravindra Bhavan may have been inaugurated, but it was far from complete. Shortly after its inauguration, the Ravindra Bhavan had to undergo maintenance and repair works.
The Bhavan was finally put to the test to screen a Konkani film and it failed miserably.
The first screening of a Konkani film during the Carnival turned out to be a flop, as the projector could not take the load and the sound also failed. Attendants at the Bhavan were forced to stop the film midway.
Authorities had to rectify the faults at the Bhavan, further delaying official activity at the centre.
“Though the Ravindra Bhawan looks imposing from the outside, the interiors had to be rectified for some faults, as some fixtures were not placed properly. Unaware that the Bhavan in yet to be thrown open to public use, many artistes and educational institutions would visit the place to hire the auditorium for their functions, only to return disappointed simply because the hiring charges were not even decided by authorities. Besides, other electrical fixtures were yet to be put in place,” said a source.
When contacted, Ravindra Bhavan Manager Arun Lolyekar said he had taken charge of the Ravindra Bhavan in February.
“The contractor then handed over the project to me and most staff employees had to undergo training on operations at the Bhavan. However, we have to wait till the contractor hands over the entire premises to us, as there were minor repairs left to be completed,” said Lolyekar.
Sources close to Power Minister Milind Naik stated that the minor works are still pending. “The compound wall has to be raised, surveillance cameras have to be put in order and security has to be appointed to guard the Bhavan,” said a source.
When contacted, Naik admitted a delay in commencing operations at the Ravindra Bhavan.
“The Election Code of Conduct did not allow us to take any decision as the first meeting was held 15 days prior to the Code of Conduct,” said Naik.
“A meeting has been convened on May 19 to decide the rates to hire the Bhavan. Many schools, institutions and people have been keen to book the Ravindra Bhavan for functions and occasions. I want the Bhavan to be functioning as soon as possible for these people,” added Naik.
