Making Ponda cultural city still a dream

MARCEL, AUG 26
Attempts by the State government to declare Ponda as a cultural city in a bid to get funds from the Central government seems to have fallen flat.
Addressing a gathering while laying the foundation stone for the Rs 19 crore renovation project of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda on Thursday, Chief Minister Digambar Kamat said the State government had declared Ponda as a cultural city to get funds from the Centre for its development.
“Some years back, there was a scheme of the Centre and we had suggested Ponda city, as there are numerous temples. Under this scheme, we were supposed to get Rs 27 crore for the development of Ponda, but nothing has happened,” said Kamat.
Meanwhile, the renovation plan of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir includes up-gradation of auditorium, amphitheatre, restructuring of administrative and canteen facilities, installation of state-of-the-art modern equipments, VIP and artiste lounge, improvement in parking facility and a separate VIP entry.
The project, which is under GSIDC, is scheduled to be completed in a year.
Incidentally, the foundation stone of Rajiv Kala Mandir was laid in 1992 and was completed in 2002. The renovation of the Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir was also debated during the Assembly session.
“The building was a political issue and for that reason the project remained incomplete for about 10 years. Because of this, the structure has weathered and it was high time for undertaking repair works plus upgrading it,” said Home Minister Ravi Naik.
Added the chief minister: “Since the time government was formed, Ravi Naik was pursuing the issue. He told me that the condition of the building was deteriorating and even he brought me here to show.”
“No matter how much money we have or how much our State has developed, it will be incomplete without cultural development and that is why Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir has very much importance,” said Kamat.