Karnataka - Hassan   

Kalabhavan auditorium lacks basic facilities

Muralidhara Khajane

Theatre activists say their complaints have fallen on deaf ears

BAD STATE: The Kalabhavan auditorium in Hassan

HASSAN: The Kalabhavan auditorium, which was constructed 10 years ago to promote cultural activities in the district, has failed in accomplishing its purpose owing to lack of facilities. Theatre activists complain that despite repeated complaints regarding the defective sound and light system, authorities of the Department of Kannada and Culture have failed to rectify the problem.

According to P. Shadrak, convener of Rangasiri theatre troupe, rainwater seepage is a major problem, as the water leaks directly on the centre stage. While most of the lights do not function, the acoustics are in a bad condition, he said.

Cultural associations allege that the Kalabhavan, which was constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.80 crores, is not maintained properly. The green room and toilets leak and the authorities concerned have not taken any steps to address these problems.

Delay in completion

Several organisations, yearning to have a full-fledged auditorium, urged the Government to take steps in this regard.

Yielding to pressure, the Government decided to build an auditorium and noted writer Shivaram Karanth laid the foundation stone in 1985-86. The authorities concerned blamed the delay in construction on dearth of funds. However, the district administration organised a cultural show by actor Rajkumar to raise funds. Work on the auditorium was completed in 1995-96. The Kalabhavan started leaking soon after construction and the Karnataka Construction Corporation (KCC), which was responsible for the civil works, was blamed. Sound and light equipment worth lakhs of rupees were stolen from the auditorium. The authorities concerned replaced it with an inferior quality system that failed to yield expected result. Repeated appeals from cultural representatives to set right things went in vain.

Theatre troupes allege that the rent of the Kalabhavan is also not in their reach. As there is no representative of cultural organisations in the managing committee of the auditorium, there is no scope for improvement in the situation, they said.

Estimate

When contacted by The Hindu , Assistant Director of Kannada and Culture Chandrappa said that though the Department of Public Works has been directed to prepare an estimate for repairing the auditorium, nothing has been done so far. The department convened a meeting with representatives of cultural organisations to discuss the problems faced by them. The representatives complained about poor light and sound system and lack of security system. Though noted light expert Ramamurthy visited Hassan and submitted a report on how the sound and light system can be improved, the authorities are yet to take steps.

Mr. Chandrappa said that the department needs Rs. 20 lakhs for overhauling the auditorium. The police have closed the file on the theft case and the chances of recovering the stolen equipment is minimal, he said.

The department owes Rs. 40 lakhs to the KCC. He said unless the corporation takes up repair works on the auditorium, the amount will not be settled.

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Kalabhavan auditorium lacks basic facilities

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