GSIDC seeks time to submit Kala Academy structural audit report

PANAJI: The high court of Bombay at Goa has stated that Kala Academy is an “iconic structure” which is a “matter of pride for the state” and that it would do whatever is best required for it.
Justice Mahesh Sonak made the statement while hearing the suo motu public interest litigation on the demolition of Kala Academy.
Advocate general Devidas Pangam told the high court that the government has not taken any decision to demolish the structure and stated that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation sought more time to place the structural audit report before the court.
Advocate Raunak Rao, representing the interveners Charles Correa Foundation, requested the court that access to the structure be granted to the foundation to be able to conduct its own study but the advocate general stated that was unnecessary since an independent agency had already been appointed.
Rao stated apprehensions of demolition but the court told him that the government had not taken any decision to raze the structure. Justice Sonak said that even the new structural audit report that is awaited will only be recommendatory.
The court told the foundation that it required its holistic assistance in the matter and asked it not treat the petition as an adversary one.
Gurudas Pilarnekar, director of art and culture, submitted to the court that the government hasn’t taken any decision to demolish the open-air auditorium. He added that after receiving the report from the Goa Engineering College, the government decided that GSIDC should conduct a detailed structural audit so that a second opinion is taken before a decision is made.
He said that the first attempt would be to try and restore the structure and only if the same is not practically possible, will an appropriate decision be taken after discussions with stakeholders.
Vishnuprasad Lawande has been appointed as amicus curiae in the matter.
Pilarnekar added that the state government is dealing with the issue, aware of the fact that Kala Academy is a prestigious institution and the open-air auditorium is an important part of the structure. He said the government is handling the matter in a very careful and sensitive manner and is being monitored at the highest level.