Team Herald
PANJIM: While the High Court (HC) of Bombay at Goa is closely monitoring every move of the government on structural-related issues of Kala Academy (KA), the State has put the onus on architect Charles Correia Foundation (CCF) for initially objecting to methods for protecting open-air amphitheatre from damages.
“This issue dates back to 10 years when all had insisted for a roof (terrace). The same question has arisen now. If CCF had given a good design, the situation would have been different today. Every time they (CCF) were sought for a design but they would raise objections stating that the structure/the face of Kala Academy would be disturbed/ obstructed,” Minister for Art & Culture Govind Gaude said on the sidelines of a press conference at KA on Wednesday.
The minister conceded this part of the iconic structure indeed needs attention owing to dead load, which is a result of multiple layers of waterproofing. Gaude, on being asked about government’s initial plans of demolition, denied any reply citing that the matter is sub-judice. At the same time, he pointed out to opinions of two structural audit reports including the one carried out by the Goa Engineering College (GEC) that KA’s structure has deteriorated.
In order to carry out repairs likely after monsoons, KA is expected to shut down ongoing operations from March 10. However, a final decision on the date will be taken in a crucial meeting scheduled on March 1. “The activities will be carried out till March 10 but we might mostly keep it ongoing till May 31, for which we are holding a meeting on March 1. We don’t want our artists and students to face any inconvenience. All this will be subject to the High Court decision,” the minister added.
In its submission to the HC earlier this week, the government stated that Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has suggested retrofitting and “Cathodic Protection” technique to contain further deterioration of the structure.
IIT Professor Radhakrishna Pillai has stated that the structure can be strengthened through retrofitting or other measures. The five-page report, meeting of which was held on January 16, also pointed out to an observation made by Dr K G Guptha of GEC about more than 80 percent corrosion “in some cases.” “We have to stop any more water from entering the structure,” he said indicating water accumulating in the open-air amphitheatre that is being debated for repairs or demolition.
As reported by Herald earlier, the GEC has asked not to overload the structure any further. Both IIT and GEC agreed that KA needs to address the issue as all the water flows into one channel from where it seeps and damages the concrete of the open-air amphitheatre.
CCF that does not have the technical ability to undertake either the overall repair specification or temporary shed on their own; has thus requested the government to appoint the National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures (NCSHS) as an advisor or a consultant to work on the issue together with CCF and all other stakeholders.
