Hyderabad: The tourism department has stopped bookings for Shilpakala Vedika, including its convention centers and food court, for this month due to repair and maintenance work. Shilpakala Vedika was constructed in 2001 besides Hitech City, on the premises of Shilparamam and launched in 2002 by the then Chief Minister, N.Chandrababu Naidu.
The then government handed over Shilpakala Vedika to a private firm on a lease of 10 years and the lease period was completed in 2012. But, the contractor did not vacate it and approached court seeking the extension of his lease period. The contractor withdrew his petition recently. The Shilparamam Society authorities returned Shilpakala Vedika on August 1. Officials allowed pre-bookings for the hall for August and closed new bookings in September for repair and maintenance work.
Shilparamam General Manager, S. Kishan Das said that the auditorium’s condition was bad. “All the chairs and cushions are damaged, AC system is having problem, electrical and water supply lines need to be replaced and the drainage system of the food court has to be renovated. We have taken up the work from September 1. The work will be completed as per schedule. Shilpakala Vedika will be available from October 1,” he said.
He said that the transistor system in the auditorium was also being upgraded along with replacement of carpets. “Government will decide on whether to maintain Shilpakala Vedika or give it to private parties on lease,” he said. The previous contractor used to charge Rs. 3 lakh per day as rent including food court and the price used to be increased based on add-on services like food arrangements and etc.
Mr. Kishan Das said that the rent would be reduced in case of management by government. “We will reduce the rent and to encourage cultural programmes, we will give concessions,” he said. Shilpakala Vedika was mostly utilized by the film industry for its programmes apart from marriage functions. As the auditorium is closed for one month, the film industry is now depending on HICC.
