Nagpur: A performance at the newly renovated Vasantrao Deshpande Hall in Civil Lines was interrupted on Saturday (Aug 22) when water began dripping on the audience during a play, raising questions over the quality of waterproofing at the cultural landmark, which underwent a ₹6.3 crore facelift just months ago.The hall was renovated by the Public Works Department (PWD) and reopened in April. Shruti Naranje, part of the team of architects appointed by the PWD to supervise the project, said the cause of the seepage had not yet been identified.“I visited the site today, but we are not able to determine where the water is coming from or where the seepage is taking place,” Naranje said.She said some waterproofing work had been completed before the onset of the monsoon. Gaps identified along the corners of the roof were sealed with asphalt tar.Naranje said the roof was part of the old structure, while the earlier GI-sheet ceiling had been covered with puff panels during the redevelopment. “The puff panel does not allow water to come inside. I feel it might be due to some internal leakage, possibly related to ducting or something similar. But this is only an assumption, and we are not sure yet,” she said.She added that the Mumbai-based main contractor had been informed about the incident and was expected to visit Nagpur next week. “Once they arrive, we will find out exactly what is happening. If there is any issue that can be resolved, we will resolve it,” Naranje said.PWD officials, however, offered a different explanation. According to sources, the liquid may not have been rainwater but could have originated from the air-conditioning ducting system. Deputy engineer Prashant Pustode said he and junior engineers would inspect the hall on Wednesday to determine the source.
