Against the backdrop of reports suggesting that a portion of the iconic Kala Academy would be demolished, Art & Culture Minister Govind Gaude has denied making any such statement. The minister, speaking on the floor of the House on Monday, confirmed that the report of the structural audit carried out by the Goa Engineering College (GEC) had suggested strengthening the structure. The government has proposed another audit by GSIDC, and this report is expected by August-end. 
“I never said that Kala Academy will be demolished. It has been just presumed and predicted. Like many others, even I have performed here and look at it sympathetically. Nobody should be misguided or panic that Kala Academy would be demolished,” he said, replying to the demands for grants for Art & Culture.
Refuting claims that the Charles Correa Foundation was not consulted over the matter, the minister said that a meeting with the former took place wherein Kala Academy’s structure related issues were discussed. However, the Foundation did not revert to the government with any solution. 
Gaude, who seemed visibly upset with the criticism surrounding reports on the demolition of the building, stated that the GEC assessment of the building indicated need for its strengthening. “We have taken the report from GEC and it says that the structure needs to be strengthened. The report also gave precautionary measures but nowhere there is a mention for its demolition,” he stated, adding, “We are also taking a second opinion for which a tender has been floated. The auditing will be carried out by the GSIDC that will submit its report by August-end. We will take a decision only thereafter.”
Asking the people not to panic, Gaude said all the stakeholders, including environmentalists, journalists among others, will be taken on board. Earlier during the discussion, MLAs sought to know from the government the need to demolish Kala Academy’s open air auditorium. “On lines with the renovation carried out at the Adil Shah Palace, the Kala Academy should also be renovated,” Leader of the Opposition Digambar Kamat said, clearly indicating his opposition to demolition of the Kala Academy.