Pune civic body begins theatre repairs; Nehru Bhavan shut from November 1 to 10

The cultural department of the Pune Municipal Corporation has taken up repair and maintenance work to improve facilities at its theatres. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Hall on Ghole Road has been closed from November 1 for repairs. The work there is planned to be completed by November 10.

At Nehru Bhavan, the auditorium seats are being repaired. The air-conditioning system is being serviced, and waterproofing work is under way to stop leaks from the roof. During this period, neither plays nor any other events can be held in the auditorium.

Artists have been complaining continuously about various facilities at the theatres. Audiences also have to bear the impact along with the artists. There had therefore been a demand for regular upkeep of facilities and timely repairs when needed. Against this background, the municipal corporation has started the work. It will be important to see how much the ongoing work improves facilities at the theatres.

Rajesh Kamthe, chief manager of the corporation's theatre department, said, "Maintenance and repair work is under way at some theatres. Repair work at Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Hall has been taken up. In the coming period, work will be done at other theatres as needed. Priority is being given to providing proper facilities to artists."

At Balgandharva Rangmandir, artists had been complaining for several days about unclean toilets. Taking note of this, renovation of the toilets has begun. The entire theatre has not been closed for this. The renovation is being carried out while plays and other events continue.

Necessary repairs have also been completed at Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir in Aundh.

Extensive repairs are planned at Yashwantrao Chavan Theatre in Kothrud. Work on seats, the sound system, the stage and the VIP room has been proposed there. This could take around two months. Kamthe said a decision on when to start the work, which tasks to take up first and how much it will affect plays and other events would be taken after discussion.