PANJIM: The structural audit report on the Kala Academy, submitted to the State government on Thursday, has indicated that in the present circumstances the iconic institution is incapable of handling further pressure.
The findings of the report, prepared by Mumbai-based consultancy Gem Engserv Pvt Ltd, has many similarities with that of the first report prepared by experts from Goa Engineering College (GEC).
Art & Culture Minister Govind Gaude said that any decision with regards to repairs or renovation will be taken after consulting all the stakeholders.
“The second report suggests that Kala Academy’s open-air auditorium requires major repairs, whereas the GEC report called for strengthening of the structure. By and large, findings in both the reports have many similarities. At the moment, the reports indicate that Kala Academy cannot be used further,” the minister told Herald.
In August, the government had sought a second opinion from the Goa State Infrastructural Development Corporation (GSIDC) on the building’s structural stability to decide the fate of one of the crucial parts of the Kala Academy.
On whether it requires major or minor repairs or renovation, Gaude said a decision would be taken after a series of meetings with the concerned agencies as well as stakeholders, which will likely be by next week.
“I will meet Chief Minister (Pramod Sawant) along with the consultants who carried out the structural audit of the Kala Academy, PWD engineers and others. Thereafter, another meeting of environmentalists, architects, journalists and other concerned stakeholders will be scheduled. I am expecting to hold these meetings next week,” he said, adding that he respects the sentiments attached with the institution. The minister said he is yet to examine the entire report.
The High Court of Bombay at Goa, that has taken suo-motu cognizance of the matter, will hear the matter on September 30 wherein the reports are expected to be submitted.
