The suspense over the renovation of the Kalamandira, a popular centre for cultural activities here, is at an end. The Public Works Department has approved short tender to begin work and reportedly communicated this to the Department of Kannada and Culture, the Kalamandira’s custodians.
The structure, which was inaugurated in 1985, was deteriorating owing to the absence of repair work. Many artistes urged the authorities to correct the situation and rescue what is held to be a centre of art, theatre and literature in the region.
According to an artiste in the city, who spoke to The Hindu , a delegation of artistes was planning to meet Minister for Kannada and Culture Umashree on this issue.
“Why are the authorities not keen to renovate the Kalamandira?” the artiste wanted to know.
The State had released Rs. 1 crore for renovation in 2010 to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), but for unknown reasons work was not taken up. The amount was transferred to the Kannada and Culture Department in January this year, according to its Assistant Director Nirmala Matapathi.
An additional Rs. 50 lakh was also released in this direction.
Of the total sum, Rs. 17 lakh was used to renovate toilets, greenrooms and washrooms some time ago, Ms. Matapathi told The Hindu. She confirmed that the Kalamandira would be handed over to the PWD by December-end, and work would begin from next January. No events will be held at the Kalamandira until the renovation is complete, she added.
