Education and Research in Human Settlements
OHeraldo I Published on: November 23, 2025
Kala Academy, Goa’s iconic cultural hub, faces significant structural challenges, warns a recent inspection led by IIT Madras. The expert team, including civil engineering professors and PWD officials, conducted a thorough visual inspection and recommended an extensive structural overhaul based on observed corrosion risks and water damage.
Read the full article here Kala Academy at High Risk of Corrosion: IIT Madras
The Goan Everyday I Published on: September 05, 2025
Nearly three months after the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras agreed to conduct the long-awaited structural audit of the Kala Academy, the Goa government is yet to begin the process to onboard the experts officially.
Read the full article here KA Safety in Limbo as PWD Delays Stall IIT Madras Structural Audit
OHeraldo I Published on: July 26, 2025
A section of the false ceiling in the Western Music classroom at Kala Academy, Goa, collapsed on July 26, 2025, raising serious concerns about the building’s structural safety. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The incident occurred without warning, prompting academy officials to immediately cordon off the affected area as a precaution. Structural assessments and safety inspections are currently underway.
Read the full article here False Ceiling Collapse at Goa’s Kala Academy Sparks Safety Concerns
Goemkarponn I Published on: June 23, 2025
Should only artists head institutions like Kala Academy and Ravindra Bhavan? It’s a question that resurfaces every few years in Goa, often sparked by controversy, corruption, or sheer frustration from the artistic community.
Read the full article here When politics takes the stage, art pays the price
Gomantak Times I Published on: May 24, 2025
Image credits : Gomantak Times | ART OF THE MATTER : Goa’s Kala Academy is in they eye of the storm following a controversial remark by Goa’s Art and Culture Minister
‘Supari Andolan’ is a creative protest by Goan artists reclaiming a slur to defend the iconic Kala Academy and preserve Charles Correa’s legacy, demanding accountability, transparency and cultural respect.
Read the full article here Know what is ‘Supari Andolan’ to save Goa’s Kala Academy
O Heraldo I Published on: May 18, 2025
The once regal Kala Academy, which has hosted many a celebrity and has been the venue of numerous big-ticket events, including the international Film festival of India, has now been reduced to a joke, or rather, a comedy of (contractual) errors.
Just days after the media reported that Kala Academy was likely to be closed for two whole months for ‘rectification’ work, the state government was slammed for continuing to delay the upgrade of the iconic centre of the arts. But what probably evoked widespread public ire was chief minister Pramod Sawant recently saying that the current contractor will complete repairing the rectifications themselves at no additional cost, in keeping with the Kala Academy’s task force suggestion, and complete the work by October this year, in time for IFFI. “Once that is done, the contract will be terminated and the contractor will be blacklisted,” Sawant is reported to have told the media. If this was not enough to enrage citizens, Sawant went a step further by blatantly declaring that new tenders will be floated for additional works that were not covered in the original contract.
Read the full article here Those responsible must pay for crippling our Kala Academy
Devdiscourse News Desk I Published on: May 16, 2025
The Goa government has blacklisted contractor Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd due to renovation flaws at the iconic Kala Academy. Critics, including political opposition and artists, raised concerns about light and sound issues. The government canceled the contractor’s annual maintenance contract and a task force will implement remedial recommendations.
The Goa government has taken decisive action by blacklisting Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd, the contractor responsible for renovating the iconic Kala Academy. This decision follows persistent flaws in the renovation work, which have drawn widespread criticism from opposition parties and local artists.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced that the contractor has until October to rectify these issues at their own expense. Furthermore, plans for a four-year annual maintenance contract with the contractor have been canceled. The decision came in response to disruptions experienced at the 1,000-seat Deenanath Mangeshkar auditorium, including light and sound problems.
Read the full article here Controversy Erupts Over Renovation of Goa’s Kala Academy
PTI I Published on: May 16, 2025
The Goa government on Friday said a contractor had been blacklisted for flaws in the renovation of the iconic Kala Academy building here. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said contractor Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd has been given time till October this year to rectify the flaws at its own cost.
The government has also cancelled a proposal to sign a four-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) with the contractor, Sawant told reporters. The BJP government in the state had come in for criticism from opposition parties and artistes after glitches were observed in the newly-renovated Kala Academy complex, including light and sound disruptions at the 1000-seater Deenanath Mangeshkar auditorium.
Read the full article here Kala Academy renovation glitches Goa govt takes action against contractor
OHeraldo I Published on: May 08, 2025
Image credits: Herald Team
The task force constituted to assess and recommend improvements for the Kala Academy’s infrastructure has submitted its final report to Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant. A meeting with the Public Works Department (PWD) and other relevant authorities to review the findings is scheduled for Friday, May 9, 2025.
Speaking at Mantralaya in Porvorim on Thursday, CM Sawant confirmed the submission. “The Task Force on Kala Academy has submitted its report today. I will hold a meeting on this tomorrow. I haven’t gone through the report yet,” he told reporters.
The task force, chaired by renowned theatre artist Vijai Kenkre, was formed in response to mounting concerns from Goa’s arts community, who criticised the ongoing renovation work at the state’s premier cultural complex as haphazard and unstructured, despite substantial expenditure.
Read the full article here Kala Academy Task Force Identifies 20 Faults; CM Sawant to Meet PWD, New Tender Expected
OHeraldo I Published on: Apr 22, 2025
Image credits: Herald Team
Delegation demands minister’s resignation over recurring technical failures and derogatory remarks
In a scathing attack on the State government, a delegation comprising Congress leaders and artistes visited the Kala Academy on Sunday, questioning the authorities over the recurring technical failures at Goa’s premier cultural institution and calling for the resignation of Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude.
The delegation also demanded that Minister Gaude publicly apologise to veteran actor Sharad Ponkshe and the wider artistic community for derogatorily labelling Ponkshe a ‘Suparibaaz’ following the disruption of his performance last week due to lighting issues at the Academy.
They further claimed that the renovation of the iconic institution—designed by renowned architect Charles Correa—had tarnished Goa’s reputation in the cultural domain.
Read the full article here Congress Demands Minister Gaude’s Resignation Over Kala Academy Failures
OHeraldo I Published on: Apr 18, 2025
Minister Govind Gaude blames ‘technical glitch’, not human error
Even after a Rs 50 crore renovation, the Kala Academy — Goa’s premier cultural venue — is facing basic operational failures, with no one willing to take responsibility. The recent light malfunction during a Marathi play has exposed not only technical flaws but also the absence of accountability among the agencies involved.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude on Thursday termed the incident — where stage lights flickered and halted the performance for 10 minutes — as “unfortunate,” but was quick to dismiss it as a technical fault rather than human error.
Read the full article here After Rs 50 cr ‘renovation’, why is Kala Academy still in the dark?
OHeraldo I Published on: Apr 17, 2025
Image credits: OHeraldo
Here’s a look at how poor planning and botched renovations have plagued Goa’s premier arts institution for over half a century
February 28, 1970 – Goa govt establishes Kala Academy to promote the arts. The iconic building is designed by renowned architect Charles Correa
2004 – Upgraded to serve as a venue for International Film Festival of India
October 30, 2017 – Minister Govind Gaude announces major facelift for Kala Academy
May 23, 2021 – Techton Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. awarded contract for renovation work. Performances come to a standstill
July 17, 2023 – A large portion of open-air auditorium collapses, raising safety concerns
November 10, 2023 – Building reopens after repairs, but concerns about construction quality persist
April 22, 2024 – Part of newly-renovated false ceiling crashes due to water leakage
May 20, 2024 – Heavy downpour causes auditorium roof to leak during a performance of the Konkani tiatr ‘Girgirem’
July 8, 2024 – Heavy rains inundate Kala Academy
September 27, 2024 – State govt forms task force led by theatre artist Vijai Kenkre to assess state of building and recommend improvements
October 25, 2024 – Charles Correa Foundation withdraws from offering assistance, citing lack of structural audit
April 13, 2025 – Technical failure in stage lighting causes temporary stoppage of a Marathi play starring Sharad Ponkshe, who apologises to audience
The famed Kala Academy has faced several ignominious setbacks, including flooding from a roof collapse during rains and the partial collapse of its open-air auditorium.
Read the full article here Kala Academy From Icon of Culture to Crumbling Legacy
Times of India I Published on: Apr 7, 2025
Image credits: Times of India
Ahmedabad: Demolition work began on Monday at the Navrangpura bus stand, which was built in 1962-63. It was designed by the master architect Charles Correa. The civic body began this hectic work at what was intended by Correa to be “a prototype for other bus stain the country”.
Read the full article here Demolition begins at Correa’s iconic Navrangpura bus stand
by O Herald I Published on: Feb 5, 2025
Image credits: Herald Team
Charles Correa Foundation prefers audit by IIT-Madras having expertise in working with and conserving old concrete.
The Charles Correa Foundation has demanded immediate audit of the iconic Kala Academy building post renovation, preferably by IIT-Madras having the expertise in working with and conserving old concrete and to ensure the building’s structural stability but also to ensure safety for the public.
The demand from the not-for-profit public charitable trust comes in view of the recent degradation and collapse of sections of the State’s premier art and cultural institution post renovation,
Read the full article here Charles Correa Foundation Demands Urgent Structural Audit of Kala Academy for Public Safety
by TNN I Published on: Oct 25, 2024
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.
Read the full article here Charles Correa Foundation calls for IIT Madras to assess structural integrity of Kala Academy
Artistes protest outside Kala Academy
The auditorium’s roof leaks during a tiatr performance.
PWD attributed the reason for the leak to water seeping through the AC duct in the auditorium.
Part of KA’s false ceiling falls
CCF says the foundation was kept out of loop and denied access to the building and its conservation.
Nearly 3 years of being shut Kala Academy repons after renovations
CCF writes to Secretary A&C and Chief Secretary in regards to the repair of KA. Pointing out the importance of restoring the finishes in the building.
In reply to RTI query, PWD Chief Architect informs CCF that PWD is only an executing body.
Original finishes in Auditorium will not be followed. Similarly the flooring, driveway & entrance gateway will be altered. No reply to CCF offer.
CCF writes to Directorate A&C regarding concerns over finishes in KA. Offers to provide consultation pro bono.
CCF writes to PWD Chief Architect regarding concerns over finishes in KA. Offers to provide consultation pro bono.
CCF write to KA regarding concerns over alteration of architectural finishes. Requests for transparency of work being carried out. Request to be involved in the repair.
CCF requests to visit KA. No reply.
CCF organise meeting with Techton Buildcon Pvt Ltd
CCF inform the consultant in a public meeting that no aesthetic changes are to be carried out to Kala Academy. Techton point out the waterproofing and accoustic issues in the structure. CCF and local historians explain the 1983 design and the changes made in 2004. Request Techton to revert to finshes and accoustics of 1983.
High Court disposes of the Kala Academy Petition
CCF inform the court that our demand to persue repair, has been accepted by the govt. Court judgement states that “no structures in the Kala Academy complex will be demolished, but structural repairs and renovation works will be carried out for preservation and maintainance of the complex.” First time a 20th Century building has been saved from demolition by a Court Order
Techton appoint a team to start work.
Government appeal to the High Court to dismiss the petition
Amicus Curiae requests CCF to review the government proposal and verify that there will be no demolition of Kala Academy before disposing the case. Granted, till 8 July 2021
Appointment of M/s Techton Buildcon Pvt Limited on Nomination by Governor of Goa
Work given without tender. Sum of 39.63 Crore + tax.
Request from CCF to KA regarding update on repair of KA & for a site visit. No reply from KA.
Onset of the South-west monsoons in Goa
KA remains exposed and it gets inundated with water
Janta Curfew and start of nation-wide lockdown
CCF heard, unofficially, that the state is broke and no funds are available for Kala Academy
Court Hearing
Postponed indefinitely due to COVID 19
CCF submit an affidavit in absentia, putting a timeline and explaining the recommendations of Dr. RG Pillai, the affidavit also demanded that the non-performing waterproofing be scraped off before the monsoons as it soaks water like a sponge and contributes to the dead load. .
Getty Foundation asks for details
Getty wrote back asking for further clarification and details.
Getty acknowledgement of receival
Getty acknowledged receipt of the application
Keeping it Modern grant by Getty Foundation
Keeping it Modern grant by Getty foundation was applied to for funds.
Court Hearing and meeting with Gaude
Deputy AG requested postponing the hearing citing absence of AG.
Nondita Correa Mehrotra and Tahir Noronha’s meeting with Gaude requesting a letter of consent from Kala Academy with the idea of accepting private/CSR funds to pay consultants, to ease taxpayer’s money. The minister puts it on member secretary Kala Academy who stated that such proposal would not be accepted.
In the meeting, it was informed that the Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation (GSIDC) will not take up any work in Kala Academy since they only take work valued over 10Cr.
Kala Academy has approached PWD but have got no response. Next court hearing on 16th march 2020
CCf send a letter to Kala Academy to appoint consultants
Letter from CCF to Kala Academy with the subject of appointing consultants for repair attaching the report and proposal, CVs of Arun Mennon and Dr.R.G. Pillai and profile of NCSHS.
Since NCSHS and IIT Madras are fully funded Government of India institutions, there is no need to call for tenders by the state.
Report from Dr. R.G. Pillai and proposal from NCSHS
Report from IIT madras i.e. Dr. R.G. Pillai is received, based on his inspection and peer review.
Another document from NCSHS is received with proposal to take up the case of Kala academy as consultants at the cost of 15 lakhs INR.
Preliminary recommendations from Dr. RG Pillai. Followed by basic repair strategy from IIT Madras.
Article on Gaude’s press conference gets published
An article is published on oHeraldo newsdaily about statements made by Gaude
Gaude does a press conference
Press conference by Gaude wherein he:
Court hearing
The AG placed the minutes before the hon. Judge and said that the government. Has taken objection to points made by Kala Academy in the minutes. Points raised:
Dr. R.G. Pillai inspects Kala Academy followed by stakeholder’s meeting
Inspection by Dr. R.G. Pillai alongwith Dr. K.G. Guptha HOD Civil eng. (GEC), Arminio Ribeiro and Tahir Noronha (CCF) , Gaurish Bhagat (JE Kala Academy) and Gurudas P.Pilarnekar (director, art and culture)
Minutes of the meeting important points:
Kala Academy invitation for stakeholder’s meeting with Pillai
Letter from Kala Academy acknowledging the letter from CCF, inviting all stakeholders to participate in the inspection by Dr. R.G. Pillai, as well as informing about a stakeholder meeting on the same day i.e. after the inspection.
CCF sends Kala Academy a letter with details of inspection
Mentioning three thing to Kala Academy from CCF:
Letter of request to allow inspection
Letter from CCF requesting Kala Academy that IIT Madras will come and conduct inspection on 16th January 2020.
Response from IIT Madras
IIT Madras responded that Prof. R.G.Pillai can visit Goa on 16th January 2020 and conduct an inspection of the structure.
CCF paid for the conveyance of the recommended expert — Dr. Radhakrishna G. Pillai.
Court Hearing
The pertinent points to note:
CCF approaches NCSHS
CCF approached the National Centre of Safety of Heritage Structures at IIT-Madras
Kala Academy invites Dr. Kapuria
Member secretary of Kala Academy sends letter to the identified expert Dr. Kapuria, who does not respond.
Stakeholder’s meeting
The pertinent points to note:
Letter from Kala Academy about GSIDC work and inviting for stakeholder’s meeting 2019
Letter from Kala academy stating GSIDC has carried out works of the Kala academy building as per pre-arrangements of IFFI 2019 and invites to stakeholders meeting on 2nd december 2019
AG wishes to file another affidavit
AG claims in court that additional evidence has come up and he wants to file another affidavit explaining the same.
Request from Government to include GSIDC
Government requests GSIDC (implementing agency) to be added to the case.
CCF submits letter to Kala Academy
CCF submits a letter to Kala Academy stating no architectural changes should be made to the building.
CCF reccommends Kala Academy to bring in structural expert Dr. Arun Mennon from IIT Madras
CCF recommends changes to the minutes to the previous meeting.
Court hearing
AG informs that a decision was taken only to repair Kala Academy and not demolish it. Further it is relayed that a tender has been floated based on the recommendations of the second structural audit.
First stakeholder’s meeting
Meeting with the stakeholders wherein :
Invitation to stakeholder meeting by Kala Academy
Letter from the Member Secretary Kala Academy inviting CCF to a stakeholder meeting to discuss the structural safety audits conducted by GEC and GEM Engiserv.
With this letter CCF obtained copies of the GEC and GEM audits.
CCF files an affidavit at the High court
CCF files an affidavit with inputs on the GEC report mentioning the 2004 renovations, at the cost of 24.9 crores, declaring the work to be unscientific and substandard (the cause of the present issues) and attaching letters from notable artists and members of civil societies.
Government seeks more time since the second report is delayed.
Advocate General informs GEM Engiserv from Navi Mumbai have been awarded the tender to undertake the second audit.
Affidavit filed by the government
Government makes an affidavit attaching Goa Engineering College’s Report
Also declared that they will be getting second report and that as yet there is no decision to demolish the open air auditorium.
Court hearing
The government and the court accept the intervention put forward by CCF. The government was requested to file an affidavit.
Update on petition
Petition crosses 19000 signatures.
CCF’s intervention at the High court
Petition is floated
Charles Correa Foundation started a petition to save Kala Academy. Gets 25,000 signatures.
High court steps in
They summoned the AG and requested the state government to file an affidavit. They appointed Mr. V. Lawande as Amicus Curiae.
CCF releases statement about the demolition
The court issues a notice
The court send a notice to AG to be present on 26th of July 2019.
The accountant general assured the court that no hasty decisions are proposed for Kala Academy.
First statement on demolition of Kala Academy by Mr. Govind Gaude
Report by GEC is produced
GEC submitted their report which consisted of all comprehensive data including NDT and inspections. KA need not be demolished & required structural strengthening.
First proposal of needed step to be undertaken
GEC informs KALA with a proposal for NDT
First structural inspection
GEC acknowledged the request and performed an inspection.
First step for safety analysis and risk
Kala academy requested the local Engineering School (GEC) to conduct a structural safety audit.
First official report of any structural safety risk
Umesh Kholkar complaint letter- part of the slab collapsed; later on it was found that it was the false ceiling that had collapsed.
KA authorities request CCF views and suggestions w.r.t restoration & upgradation of KA.
CAG points out finanicial irregularity in Kala Academy Work
Works tendered at 2 times the actual cost.
Massive leakage observed in Kala Academy
Public outcry featured in all state newspapers. CM Pratapsinh Rane appoints Rajiv Shrikande to investigate claims.
Changes to Kala Academy
Jain makes several changes to the finishes of the building. The waterproofing was once-again rushed in the same methodology as 1996. A new detail for protecting the expansion joint was developed. Accoustic Treatment of the Indoor Auditorium was completely changed on the advice of accoustic vendors, without any scientific input.
Uttam Jain defends the changes
No response from Uttam/Chirag Jain, Correa gets worried
Mentions the change of materials, use of granite and changing of the acoustics. Structural rehabilitation & waterproofing neglected.
Correa met Chiraj Jain, agreed to advise them at no cost
Chirag also asked for the drawings, which Correa gave
Letter from Cheif secretary explaining that they appointed Uttan Jain
Proposal is simply carry out internal repairs and refurbishments and nothing else. Seeking Correa’s approval to proceed.
Parrikar Press Conference on Kala Academy on KA upgradation
Parrikar said that Correa was too busy with international commitements to take up the work, so they have appointed Uttam Jain for the rpoject, considering Chirag Jain’s experience at the CCA office.
Kala Academy approach Correa for the up-gradation of Kala AcadLetter indicating that KA authorities would consult Mr Correa regarding changes in KA, however small.my
Waterproofing work hurried
On account of the Monsoon and visit of the Prime Minister of India to Goa, the waterproofing work was rushed. Instead of removing the original waterproofing, a new layer was put over the old waterproofing.
Seepage obseved
Seepage, primarily from the roof slabs. Correa advised the Kala Academy to appoint a local consultant to oversee the waterproofing. CEM India appointed for the work.
Grouting and waterproofing stopped prematurely
On account of visit of President of India.
Grouting work started
Seepage obseved
Seepage from the floor of the indoor auditiorium (through the chair-fitting), the control room of the Open-air Amphitheatre, and through the expansion joints in the roof-slabs.
N B Hadker’s letter identifying design & supervision by CPWD being cause of leakages at KA.
Kala Akademi building handed over to the Kala Academy Society
The raft foundation designed by Central PWD, New Delhi, failed due to up-thrust from ground-water. NB Hadkar appointed on Correa’s advice, designs new slab.
Charles Correa appointed to design Kala Akademi
By Gerard Desouza
The week began on a stormy note in more ways than one. The state has seen stormy weather both literally — with the monsoon picking up pace across the state — as well as figuratively with more than a hundred artists, and lovers of Kala Academy gathered at the Goa Union of Journalists Hall at Panjim to decry the sorry state of the iconic Kala Academy — the state’s foremost centre for art — that despite seeing around ₹60 crore worth of “renovations” poured into the ageing but still robust institute designed by Charles Correa, was reopened to the public in a state worse than it was before.
Continue reading “Kala Academy and the Dark Arts” →
By Team Herald
Artists and stalwarts from the background of theatre, music, films and various other backgrounds have pledged to take the agitation to the streets to ensure action against the wrongdoings and to correct what has been already done to the Kala Academy.
The gathering heavily criticised the Government, Art and Culture Department, Minister and the Chief Minister for destroying the old infrastructure and glory of Kala Academy under the garb of renovation. Charles Correa Foundation representatives, Arch. Arminio Rebeiro, Tanvi Kharia, Ex-Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Tomazinho Cardozo, Devidas Amonkar were present at the meeting.
Continue reading “Artists, stalwarts demand resignation of Art & Culture Minister for the wrongdoings in the renovation of Kala Academy” →
By Times News Network
Panaji: Artistes from across Goa met in Panaji on Monday where they demanded the resignation of art and culture minister Govind Gaude over the faulty renovation of Kala Academy (KA). They passed a resolution demanding govt release a white paper on the expenses incurred on the refurbishment of KA.
They discussed the issue threadbare while Gaude was seated in the audience to hear their grievances.
They were unanimous in their demand that Gaude step down immediately. KA has courted controversy since work was taken up three years ago. The matter got worse when leakages were reported more than twice after the renovated structure was opened by govt six months ago.
Continue reading “Gaude attends KA Protest meet, artistes tell him to quit” →The following is an excerpt from the speech given by the Charles Correa Foundation on Monday, 17 June 2024 during the ‘Artistes Meeting on Kala Academy’ at the Shram Shakti Bhavan, Panjim.
The Kala Academy has been an iconic cultural landmark for the people of Goa since its inception in the 1980s. It has been a space of congregation for people from all walks of life to celebrate the arts and participate in a wide spectrum of cultural activities in the city. Designed by world renowned architect Charles Correa, the building has also etched itself as a fine example of India’s modern heritage.
Continue reading “Meeting with the artistes – the primary stakeholders, the disserviced users” →