SAMBALPUR: The Kalyan Mandap at Jail Chowk in the town is yet another example of a noble initiative gone awry. It was constructed with the intention of providing infrastructure facility to people to organise social functions at a reasonable cost. But, neglect of the district administration has led to its closure.
Promoted by Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA), the land on which the Mandap stands belongs to Kashinath Trust. As the town was devoid of an affordable community centre, the Trust donated the piece of land to SDA. The Mandap was also in demand with about 150 social functions being organised every year.
According to sources, the foundation stone of the Mandap was laid by the then Governor Yagya Dutt Sharma on February 3, 1991 and was constructed by the SDA at a cost of `30 lakhs. It was inaugurated by former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik on October 30, 1994. The Mandap has two halls, three rooms, a central hall to solemnize marriage and organise social function. The Mandap is large enough to accommodate about 1000 guests.
Initially, the per day rent for hiring the Mandap was `1000 and the same rate continued till 1995. Subsequently, the Mandap was handed over to the district administration by the SDA and the rent was enhanced to `2,704 per day and later to `3,400. Further, those who were interested to hire the vacant land around it had to deposit another `1000. There was a heavy demand for the venue as it has ample parking space and open area around it besides being well communicated.
But, indifference of the administration saw the deterioration of the Mandap and gradually it landed in such a state that the power and water supply was disconnected owing to non-payment of bills. Lack of maintenance and repair left it with leaking roofs while seepage made the walls moist. The doors of the three toilets also broke down and the toilets got choked. Since 2010, nobody offered to book it for social functions.
However, the locals said the Mandap can still attract people if it is spruced up and repaired. They said the private Kalyan Mandaps in the town charge `30,000 to `80,000 and do not have such facilities. Although some hotels offer the venue, the food charges are so high that it becomes unaffordable for the middle class, they rued.
When contacted, Nizarat Officer and Convenor of the Kalyan Mandap Committee, Nilambar Mahanand, said renovation of the Mandap had been taken up in phases since 2012 and will be shortly reopened to public on payment of `10,000.