Zilla Panchayat hall to sport new look soon

With Vidhana Soudha being the perfect example for a house to be, how can the local bodies remain in oblivion without taking any note of it?

Deriving example from the seat of legislature in the State, the zilla panchayat auditorium here named after Abdul Nazeer Saab is undergoing a changeover. In the next couple of days, the new look house is expected to be reopened.

The auditorium that dates back to the days of zilla parishat (which later became zilla panchayat) in 1992 was dedicated during the period of reign of then president M P Vrushabendrappa. Though timely changes were made acoustic was still the problem. So much so that, from officers to members most had vent their ire about failing sound, diluting the issue with vociferous debates going unheard.

Taking cognisance of it, besides many other works keeping in pace with the modernity, Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd., (KRIDCL) (formerly Karnataka State Land Army) was entrusted with the task to renovate the same without damaging the existing facilities. The project cost is Rs 61 lakh.

The works launched in January is nearing end with plans to hand over the facility to ZP by the end of this month.

Deputy director of KRIDCL Natesh told Deccan Herald the renovated interiors is sure to give the feel of Vidhana Soudha or Vikasa Soudha. Acoustic has been taken care of by plugging the lacunae in sound system. The system earlier was not absorbing the sound properly, emitting more sound leading to unbearable echo at times. False ceiling made of gypsum board has also been installed, besides covering the sidewalls with velvet cloth and sponge to make the sound audible in every nook and corner of the hall.

The existing dais has been extended further by one-and-a-half-feet to accommodate the VIPs. A wooden plank fixed in the front acts like extended space, and it’s also foldable. As said earlier it’s to accommodate the VIPs who at times increase in numbers jostling for space. The other major addition is air-conditioning of the hall. A total of eight ACs have been fixed to keep the area cool. Besides, wall mounted projector and screen on the dais to enable power-point- presentations.  The hall has the capacity to accommodate nearly 200 including elected representatives, officers and visitors gallery.