MYSORE: Following a High Court order fifteen years ago, the closed moat on the Venkatappa Art Gallery premises in Bangalore was opened. However, the issue was never solved and was mentioned repeatedly in Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report.
CAG raised objections against the Kannada and Culture Department for incurring an expenditure of Rs 24.97 lakh for earth filling work. The matter was referred to the government in July 1999.
According to CAG report which was made available to Express, Venkatappa Art Gallery, a museum building is used by the Directorate of Archaeology and Museums to exhibit works of renowned artists. The building was surrounded by a moat and water overflowing from a tank remained stagnant in it. The water collected at the basement floor of the gallery and caused damage to the building besides emitting rotten smell. The ex-director of Archaeology and Museums, Mysore sanctioned fund to solve the issue.
“He indulged in unauthorised expenditure of Rs 24.97 lakh by taking up the work of filling up the moat without consulting Horticulture Department and by transgressing his financial power,” said the CAG report.