Artists oppose Aug 9 launch of Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha in Kolhapur

Kolhapur: Plans to inaugurate the reconstructed Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha and Rajarshi Shahu Khasbaug Maidan on Aug 9 have run into opposition from theatre artists, corporators and social activists, who claim nearly 30% of the work remains incomplete and question how the facilities can be opened without adequate funding.The strongest objection has come from theatre artists, who have warned they will not allow the auditorium to be opened with temporary or incomplete facilities.“Important works at the Natyagruha and Khasbaug Maidan, such as parking, auditorium, sound system, air conditioning and electrical systems, are still incomplete. We won’t allow inauguration till all the works are completed,” said make-up artist Mahesh Jadhav.Officials of the contractor's company said that of the Rs 25.1 crore sanctioned for reconstruction, Rs 12.55 crore has so far been received from the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC). They claimed that 90% of the first phase, 80% of the second phase, and 70% of the third and fourth phases have been completed, with the remaining work expected to be finished by July 30.Will lodge a case against KMC over scrapping of British-era girders: ActivistsThe reconstruction project has also become embroiled in a separate controversy over the alleged sale of 25 British-era girders as scrap during the rebuilding process.

Social activists have warned they will initiate criminal proceedings against the civic administration if the girders are not recovered.“On Aug 8, 2024, a fire broke out at Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha and Khasbaug Maidan. Both these heritage buildings were gutted by fire. After the decision to reconstruct these heritage monuments, the heritage committee had suggested that the materials be reused in the reconstruction work.

However, the municipal officials kept the committee in the dark and sold the British-era girders for scrap for a mere Rs 7 lakh,” alleged Uday Gaikwad, member of the Kolhapur City Heritage Committee.According to activists, the girders were brought from London by Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj more than a century ago and formed part of the heritage structure.Historian Indrajit Sawant demanded an inquiry into the transaction. “The person who bought the rare and antique girders as scrap last year is from Kolhapur. This transaction took place a year ago. Therefore, the scrap seller should come forward to say whether the girders are available or they were disposed of. There should be a thorough investigation into the sale of girders in collusion with municipal officials and insurance company officials,” Sawant said.