Free booking of Corporation marriage halls from next week

Starting next week, residents can book for free the Chennai Corporation’s community halls for social gatherings.

A year after announcing procurement of utensils for its 52 community halls, the civic body has decided to implement the proposal next week. Residents can use the utensils for free.

The civic body’s plan to waive the rental is expected to help more than 18 lakh residents in slum neighbourhoods. The existing rates for the halls range from Rs. 350 to Rs. 15,000 per day, depending on their location.

Popular community halls of the Corporation are located in areas such as CIT Nagar, T. Nagar, Royapettah, Guindy, Kotturpuram, Velachery and Anna Nagar.

A number of the halls have modern amenities, including kitchens. Hall bookings can be made either at Ripon Buildings or through the Corporation’s website.

Officials have issued warnings regarding a few agents who have already started blocking the halls with an aim to re-lease them.