Nagpur: Bookings began for the state of art Suresh Bhatt auditorium on Monday as NMC started accepting applications from various social and cultural organizations.
Though the Suresh Bhatt auditorium was inaugurated in September by President Ram Nath Kovind, it was not available for holding of events till this time. It then had to be approved by the Standing Committee of NMC. This procedure got completed three days back. We could start bookings from November 6 onward,” notify by deputy municipal commissioner Ravindra Deotale.
An amount of Rs50,000 as security deposit became a tenacious issue as it was just double of what is being charged at other auditorium. “This is a very sophisticated facility and NMC needs money to maintain it. But considering all factors we have now reduced the security deposit amount to Rs15,000 and rental at Rs5,000 for amateur artists for their non-ticketed events. For all other events, it will be around Rs30,000 with security deposit at Rs50,000,” Sandeep Joshi, leader of ruling party in NMC, said. Though NMC plans to outsource the venue for maintenance purpose, the process is likely to take some more time. Till that time, the civic body will maintain it.
The process of online bookings will also take some time to fall in place. Till then, offline booking, by making an application to the Sports and Cultural department of NMC, will have to be done. “We already have around sixteen applications so far which we had accepted earlier. The first program after the inauguration will be held on November 10 which is being organized by Matru Seva Sangh,” said Harshal Hiwarkhedkar, deputy sports officer, who is handling the bookings.
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The Suresh Bhatt auditorium is also the venue for the three-day Kalidas Music Festival which will be held from November 17 to 19 in collaboration with NMC. Unlike other auditorium, which is not available for cultural bookings other than those being held by government and district administration during the state legislature’s winter session held in December, Hiwarkhedkar said that so far no such instructions have been issued for this auditorium.
