Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 19: The foundation stone for the Konkani Bhavana at Urwa Store was laid in 2022, with an initial allocation of Rs 3 crore. This Bhavana has been a long-cherished dream of the Konkani Sahitya Academy since its establishment in 1994.

However, construction has stalled due to insufficient funds, with an additional Rs 3 crore required to complete the project. So far, Rs 2.69 crore has been spent, but several essential works remain unfinished, including the construction of a compound wall, electrical work, plumbing, painting, installation of doors and grills, and a retaining wall.

Currently, three floors of the Konkani Bhavana have been constructed using laterite stones and plastering. The work, initiated under the previous president's tenure, was completed with an expenditure of Rs 2.69 crore. However, an additional Rs 3 crore is still needed to finish the project.

Questions have been raised regarding the project's cost, as the structure alone has cost Rs 2.69 crore, while the total estimated cost has now doubled. Concerns have been voiced about whether the entire Rs 2.69 crore was spent solely on the structure, given that crucial finishing work remains pending.

Stany Alvares, who assumed office as the president of the Konkani Sahitya Academy in June 2024, is making efforts to secure the remaining funds. He has urged the government to release the additional Rs 3 crore required to complete the Bhavana. During a recent legislative session, MLC Ivan D'Souza also raised concerns, highlighting that only the structure has been built so far with the Rs 2.69 crore, while the remaining work is yet to be completed.