Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a move aimed at ensuring the long-term stability of Kala Academy, the Goa government has engaged IIT Madras to carry out a fresh technical assessment of the restoration works undertaken at the cultural complex. The consultancy, approved at a cost of ₹86 lakh, will focus on evaluating the durability of the repairs and identifying measures to extend the life of the structure.
Principal Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department, Sandip Chodnekar, said the institute’s team is expected to begin work from August 1. The exercise will run parallel to corrective measures scheduled under the defect liability provisions of the renovation contract.
Chodnekar explained that the new assignment differs from the institute’s previous review, which primarily examined whether the renovation had been executed according to technical standards. This time, the focus will be on determining the effectiveness of the completed repairs and estimating how long they are likely to remain serviceable.
A team of specialists from IIT Madras will inspect various sections of the Kala Academy complex before preparing a detailed report outlining recommendations for strengthening and preserving the structure.
Among the solutions likely to be considered are advanced protection systems designed to reduce corrosion and improve the performance of repaired structural elements over time. The study is also expected to recommend modern engineering practices that could help prevent future deterioration.
The decision to commission the fresh assessment follows suggestions made by the recently constituted Kala Academy Task Force, which has recommended additional corrective interventions in the main auditorium. These works are scheduled to commence in August.
According to the PWD, all deficiencies that fall within the scope of the original contract and defect liability period will be rectified by the existing contractor without additional expenditure by the State government. However, any new works recommended beyond the contractual scope will require separate approvals and tendering.
The task force has also identified three specialised consultants to advise on improvements to the auditorium’s sound and lighting infrastructure.
Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that the reconstruction of the Open Air Auditorium, which suffered a roof collapse, will be handled as a separate project. Architect Rajan Bhise will work with the Charles Correa Foundation to evaluate the structure and prepare recommendations for its redevelopment.
Officials said the reconstruction will involve fresh estimates and an independent tender process, as the project entails rebuilding the facility rather than carrying out repairs.
