Samiti demands Ravindra Bhavan construction at site already chosen

Samiti demands Ravindra Bhavan construction at site already chosen
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
PORVORIM, JULY 31
The Bardez Kala Bhavan Nirmiti Samiti has demanded that the Ravindra Bhavan be constructed at the site already selected by the Directorate of Art and Culture and warned that art lovers in Bardez taluka would oppose any alternative site.
Addressing reporters at Mapusa, Bardez Kala Bhavan Nirmiti Samiti President Narayan Karekar said the Ravindra Bhavan complex is for the performing arts and it will provide the cultural space required for organizing dramas, tiatrs, competitions, sangeet sammelans, annual social gatherings of the schools and colleges and exhibitions of paintings.
“Besides, various courses in music, dance and acting will be taught in the Ravindra Bhavan. Hence the location of the Ravindra Bhavan has to be close to the bus and taxi stand. In view of this, the land selected and acquired by the government in Survey 144/6 is a perfect site for the Ravindra Bhavan,” said Karekar.
“The government should not buckle under pressure of a few politicians and should go ahead with the project immediately,” Karekar added.
He informed that some people have claimed that the area of 8,538 sq. metres will not be sufficient for the Ranvindra Bhavan and have feared that the project could lead to traffic problems.
“Both these statements are false and misguiding. The Ravindra Bhavan with a seating capacity of 1000 can be constructed in an area of 2500 sq. mtrs only, if planned properly and the remaining 6038 sq. mtrs of land can be used for parking.”
“Hence, the fear that the project will create traffic problem is baseless. On the contrary, if a commercial project of 100 flats, shops and offices comes up in this area, it would create more traffic problems,” said Karekar.
Kiran Shirodker added that some politicians have suggested a site at Tivim for the Ravindra Bhavan.
“This site is around 5-6 kms away from Mapusa. People who are staying on the outskirts of Mapusa or nearby villages will have to use two buses to go to Tivim. Hence, the site suggested at Tivim is not at all suitable for the Ravindra Bhavan,” said Shirodker.
Mapusa Citizen Forum President Ratnapal Salker said that art lovers of Bardez taluka should get united and impress upon the government that the existing site is best suited for Ravindra Bhavan and it should not be changed at any cost.
Social Worker Madhukar Bhonsale said some people are objecting to the Ravindra Bhavan project at the site selected by the government for selfish interest.
“The fact is that Mapusa communidade has sold around 3,806 sq. mtrs of land in Survey 144/6 to a builder on April 22, 2009 for a big commercial project.
“To safeguard the interest of the builder, some people are opposing the Ravindra Bhavan project,” alleged Bhonsale.