Panaji: The Charles Correa Foundation has formally requested the inclusion of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to conduct a thorough structural analysis of Kala Academy following ongoing concerns regarding the integrity of the building post-repair.
In a letter to the PWD’s chief engineer-I and member secretary of govt-appointed task force committee, Santosh Mhapne, the CCF cited its role as a primary source for architectural resources related to the Kala Academy, but was being given a cold shoulder. “Despite being a primary source of information for the drawings and other resources pertaining to the Kala Academy, we were prevented from accessing the site,” the letter signed by CCF’s managing trustee, Arminio Ribeiro, stated.
The foundation cited instances of structural failure such as the collapse of the roof over the open-air amphitheatre and leakages that led to the deterioration of the false ceilings. These problems arose amid claims that repair was ongoing. “This poses a fundamental question: Whether the structural stability of the building can be relied upon. Having such fundamental concerns, we believe any discussions and inspections will only be of the most superficial aspects of the building and not address the core structural issues. This is something we as a foundation do not agree to participate in, unless a completely new structural audit is carried out and the building is certified to be safe for public use,” the letter stated.
The CCF specified that the audit must be carried out by IIT Madras, known for its expertise in working with and conserving older concrete structures. It expressed willingness to assist with consultancy on the project, albeit not on a pro bono basis.
Recently, the task force, chaired by thespian Vijay Kenkre, inspected Kala Academy and highlighted issues related to sound, air-conditioning, and other infrastructural issues. The CCF, though part of this task force, was absent from the inspection.