One year on, amphitheatre still awaits inauguration

Years after completion of civil construction works, the 500-seat amphitheatre (Samskrutika Bhavana) in Gokulam 3rd Stage, is yet to be thrown open for the general public.

Following the demand by the public, including senior citizens for the construction of the amphitheatre, the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) took up the construction of an amphitheatre at an approximate cost of Rs 1.5 crore in the year 2014. It was completed in the year 2016. The MUDA has handed over the amphitheatre to the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC), recently.

Member of Mysuru Grahakara Parishat Dayanand Sagar, speaking to DH, informed that the amphitheatre has constructed using public funds, lakhs of rupees. Even after two years, since the completion of the project, it has not been thrown open for the general public, despite several demands from the people, he said.

He alleged that the officials concerned have not taken any action to prevent illegal activities on the premises.

Retired district registrar and deputy commissioner of Stamps R P Shivaswamy informed that the project was completed, two years ago. "The authorities concerned should inaugurate it soon after planing a proper schedule and making arrangements for maintenance. It will help the general public, including children, to present cultural activities," he said.

Former corporator Girish Prasad said that the works started during his tenure. "Though the works were completed two years ago, the inauguration of the amphitheatre was delayed as there was a demand to complete the works on the adjacent road, which was in poor condition. Later, there was the model code of conduct for the Assembly elections and later for the City Corporation elections. Thus, the inauguration was delayed," he said.

Corporator SBM Manju said, "We have plans to develop a park and construct a reading room for senior citizens on the premises of Samskrutika Bhavana. So, it may take a few days for the completion of the works. Soon after the Lok Sabha elections, we will inaugurate the amphitheatre, by completing the works on the park and reading room."

Broken window panes

Though the project has not been inaugurated, the window panes of the newly-constructed building have been broken. Local residents allege that the premises has been used for illegal activities after it is dark.