Water Drips on Audience at Vasantrao Deshpande Hall Months After ₹6.3 Crore Facelift A performance at the newly renovated Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Nagpur’s Civil Lines was disrupted on August 22 when water began dripping onto the audience during a play, raising concerns about the waterproofing quality of the cultural landmark. The hall, which underwent a ₹6.3 crore facelift by the Public Works Department (PWD) and reopened in April, faced criticism as the issue emerged just months after its completion. Shruti Naranje, an architect appointed by the PWD to oversee the project, confirmed that the cause of the seepage had not yet been identified. She stated that during her inspection, the team could not pinpoint the source of the water, though some waterproofing work had been completed before the monsoon season. Naranje noted that gaps along the corners of the roof had been sealed with asphalt tar, but the roof itself belonged to the old structure. The redevelopment had covered the previous GI-sheet ceiling with puff panels, which she claimed should prevent water ingress. However, she speculated that the issue might stem from internal leakage, possibly related to ducting systems, though this remains an assumption. Naranje added that the Mumbai-based main contractor had been informed of the incident and was expected to visit Nagpur the following week to assess the situation. “Once they arrive, we will find out exactly what is happening. If there is any issue that can be resolved, we will resolve it,” she said. PWD officials, however, offered an alternative explanation. According to sources, the liquid might not have been rainwater but could have originated from the air-conditioning ducting system.#public_works_department #vasantrao_deshpande_hall #shruti_naranje #mumbai_based_main_contractor #prashant_pustode
