AWAITING FACELIFT: The Kalamandira in Mysore which is the focal point of many cultural events. — PHOTO: M.A. SRIRAM

MYSORE: With the onset of monsoon, the city's grand auditorium Kalamandira has started facing a number of problems.

The roof over the "Maneyangala" portion of the imposing building, which hosts seminars, workshops, debates and book fairs, is leaking.

Despite assurances to refurbish the auditorium, which was built during the tenure of Chief Minister R. Gundu Rao for Vishwa Kannada Sammelana,the auditorium is yet to get a facelift. Moreover, the maintenance of Kalamandira, which houses the premier theatre repertory Rangayana on its premises, is poor.

Minister for Kannada and Culture H.S. Mahadeva Prasad had to reply to a volley of questions from presspersons and artistes on the facelift of Kalamandira during an interaction here. He promised to restore the building and release funds for it immediately.

The 25-year-old auditorium-cum-exhibition gallery is in need of immediate restoration, especially in the areas of acoustics and lighting. No major work has been taken up in the past two decades barring some minor works such as repair of seats.

Frequent complaints from the audience have been about poor acoustics and lighting. Even artistes who have performed there on several occasions have urged the authorities to solve these problems. But their pleas have not led to any action either due to paucity of funds or lack of will.

If acoustics has to be improved, the wall panelling and flooring of the auditorium have to be redone. In addition, there are some civil works that have to be taken up inside and outside the auditorium. The district administration was asked to prepare an estimate for its restoration. According to estimates, at least Rs. 70 lakh is needed to develop the auditorium that has been rated as one of the best in the State.

Although the district administration is believed to have told the Public Works Department to prepare a final estimate and float tenders for the work, there is no sign of work at the auditorium even after an inspection by Mr. Prasad two months ago.

The district administration had promised to give priority to works such as improvement of acoustics and lighting with the funds available.

Garden

There is planto refurbish the garden in front of the auditorium with new lawns, landscaping and special varieties of ornamental and flowering plants.

Artistes who rehearse for theatre shows or dance programmes have sought revamp of the rehearsal podium adjacent to the auditorium. They have also sought construction of a mini-auditorium for staging shows for a small group of audience on the vacant space on the right side of Kalamandira.

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