TEAM HERALD
If you enjoyed reading this article, you can help support our journalism by adding OHeraldo as a preferred source.
MARGAO: Just a fortnight of rainfall and Margao’s multi-crore Ravindra Bhavan is leaking once again.
Like last year, water seepage has been spotted at the Black Box, besides the main stage and the foyer on the first floor. Besides, the water seepage over the last two years has damaged the plaster of Paris in the main auditorium.
An agitated Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Damu Naik has sent an SOS to the Department of Art and Culture, besides the Public Works Department to carry out the repair works on top priority.
In his letter, Damu feared that the damaged PoP posed danger to the audience as it might come down if urgent steps are not initiated to rectify the fault.
Sources in the know said that Ravindra Bhavan has taken care of water seepage on the main stage with a plastic cover, but officials insist that it’s high time that the department step in and repair the damage. The non-completion of phase II of the cultural institution, sources say, has exposed the building to the vagaries of nature, adding to the water seepage problem.
Says Damu: “It is indeed sad that there is seepage in the Black Box this monsoon too. We had been after the Department of Art & Culture, besides the PWD since the last one year, but in vain. Ravindra Bhavan has dashed off a letter earlier this week highlighting the state of affairs because of water seepage”.
While the authorities have rectified the problems with pavers on the eastern side of the building, the same continue to give nightmares for two-wheelers for want of a permanent solution.
When contacted, PWD Chief Engineer J S Rego said the Ravindra Bhavan roof is causing problems and suggested replacement of the entire roof. The replacement work would cost the exchequer around Rs 30-40 lakh, he added.
Replying to a question, Rego said he would depute his men at the Ravindra Bhavan to conduct an on-the-site inspection of the problem plaguing the cultural institution.
