After successfully implementing a pragmatic waste management system, the Pathanamthitta municipality has set yet another example by constructing an open stage in the town.
Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman P.J. Kurien will inaugurate the facility on May 30. A Ganamela by the Pathanamthitta Saarang orchestra will be the maiden programme to be held at the open stage on the day.
The stage can be used for conducting public meetings and cultural programmes without causing much inconvenience to road users, A. Sureshkumar, municipal chairman, said.
Mr. Sureshkumar told The Hindu that the idea of a self-contained open stage came to his mind when public meetings taking place in the town turned out to be a matter of concern following frequent court interventions. There were also complaints by the public, he said.
Mr. Sureshkumar said it took four months to construct the facility at a cost of Rs.8,00,000. Electricity connection, curtains, and chairs and provided for the facility that has tiled floor and entry from the right and left sides, he said.
Presently, organisers had to remit Rs.2,500 towards floor rent to the municipality, besides spending Rs.8,000 to Rs.10,000 for construction of temporary stage, electrification, etc. The stage would be made available at a daily rent of Rs.5,000, making it yet another revenue option for the municipality.
Other projects
Mr. Sureshkumar said a working women’s hostel (Rs.30 lakh), a shopping complex at Kumbazha (Rs.50 lakh), a modern library (Rs.1.5 crore), an old-age home (Rs.25 lakh) and a gas crematorium, estimated at Rs.31 lakh, were the other major projects being undertaken by the municipality. All these would be ready for commissioning in July-August, he said.