PANAJI
Conceding technical glitches, Kala Academy has approached the Public Works Department (PWD) to rectify the faults in the lighting system and upgrade the facility.
Addressing a press conference to divulge the contents of the report sought after the lighting glitch that occurred during the performance of the Marathi drama Purush on Sunday, Minister for Art and Culture Govind Gaude said that prima facie, it appeared to be a technical error and not human error.
“Kala Academy has communicated all the shortfalls in the existing lighting system to the PWD requesting them to rectify and upgrade the lighting system as per the requirements. PWD is already working on it. The existing lighting system will be upgraded in view of the inputs given by the stagecraft and lighting committee and also the Task Force Committee,” the minister said.
The renovated Kala Academy came under strong criticism after the play was disrupted mid-show with Marathi actors and Opposition leaders in Goa slamming the repeated glitches at the institution. The minister had then sought a report within 48 hours.
Terming the incident “very unfortunate,” Gaude clarified that the glitch was the result of a technical fault. He added that an alternate backup plan using a more reliable tungsten filament lighting system has been proposed to avoid such disruptions in the future.
Gaude further explained that the lighting system installed at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir comprises LED lights manufactured by Canara. These lights are connected in a looping circuit, which means that if even one unit in the series develops a fault, the entire circuit may malfunction.
“The maintenance of the present lighting system is done by the contractor under the defect liability period under contract with the PWD. We understand that the service and maintenance is done by the contractor periodically,” he added.
