Goemkarponn Desk
PANAJI: While there was harsh criticism for “sub-standard works” when water leaked in Kala Academy’s newly renovated auditorium on Sunday night after a pre-monsoon shower, the Public Works Department (PWD) claimed the seepage was caused by the AC duct.
On Monday morning, PWD officials and contractors’ representatives visited the Academy for an inspection.
There existed an AC duct leak. Uttam Parsekar, Principal Chief Engineer at PWD, stated that it is being fixed.
Following a strong downpour on Sunday, water leakage was seen on the final few rows of Kala Academy’s auditorium while attendees were viewing a tiatr of roseferns called Girgirem (Pinwheel).
The state’s institute of culture, the recently renovated Kala Academy building, was the subject of reports of leaks last month as well. Govind Gaude, the minister of art and culture, had stated following the April incident that the PWD was in charge of the building’s construction and that the department of art and culture had not yet received possession of it. An audit of the renovated works has been demanded by the Opposition.
Concerns about the Dinanath Mangeshkar auditorium have been raised by the recent recurrence of leaks at the Kala Academy, especially during the current pre-monsoon rains. However, the authorities have not commented on the situation.
The opposition has taken advantage of this opportunity to once again accuse the government of being a scam, especially with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and other prominent party leaders deeply involved in the campaign as the Lok Sabha elections approach their conclusion. However, a senior official stated that a comprehensive analysis of the circumstances will be carried out when they return.
Durgadas Kamat, the general secretary of GFP, insisted on close examination and a thorough audit of all completed work. In view of the current circumstances, he requested that the Chief Minister inspect the Kala Academy immediately. In response, Congressman Amarnath Panjikar made a sly remark, saying, “Monsoon tiatr festival in air-conditioned Kala Academy auditorium… nature once again exposes corrupt government.”
The auditorium started to leak on Sunday night during a performance of the Konkani play “Girgirem” in the midst of intense downpours. When water droplets started to fall from the roof, attendees were taken aback. Soon after, they saw a large leak.
