PANJIM: The iconic Kala Academy building, which stoked controversy over the issue of its renovation for last nearly three years, will reopen on November 10. The venue is fully prepared to host the 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) starting from November 20, according to Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude.
The controversy started following reports that the structure would be demolished and secondly for awarding the renovation works costing Rs 49.57 crore to M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd, through nomination process thereby violating the guidelines set for procurement of works by Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, Central Vigilance Commission guidelines and Central PWD Rules.
Following complaints by two activists Sudip Tamankar and Avinash Tavares, the Directorate of Vigilance had recommended to the government to constitute a three-member technical team to investigations the allegations of corruptions made in the ongoing Kala Academy renovation work.
In July this year, another controversy erupted when the stage roof of Kala Academy’s open-air auditorium crashed even as the government claimed that the collapsed portion was an old structure left untouched by the contractor.
Speaking to mediapersons on Monday, Gaude highlighted the extensive three-year-long renovation efforts, stating that the work on Kala Academy had been ongoing for the past three years since 2021, and it’s finally ready for inauguration.
Gaude informed that except open-air auditorium, the entire Kala Academy premises will be accessible. He emphasised that the infrastructure is in place, particularly highlighting the Black Box as the focal point due to its exceptional facilities and will now be a centre of attraction.
To ensure the functionality and safety of the premises, tenders for various works such as air-conditioning, sound systems, CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers have been initiated by the Public Works Department (PWD). However, Gaude noted that certain specialised renovation and retrofitting works, numbering 72, were not covered under the Central PWD (CPWD) works manual and hence remain pending.
The Art and Culture Minister mentioned a significant structural alteration, reducing the thickness of the auditorium slab to a maximum of 15 cms, allowing for improved functionality.
Referring to the Kala Academy’s Black Box, Gaude emphasised the restoration of its original design resembling the traditional Goan Rajangan. He mentioned alterations in the seating areas for audiences and addressed prior issues such as leakages and electrical problems, assuring their resolution.
Director of Art and Culture Sagun Velip and member secretary of Kala Academy Vinesh Arlekar were also present.
