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HC rules that land on which the auditorium stands should be used only for sports
The Navratri festival this year seems to have lost its sheen even before it has kicked off. The high court's ruling (see box) that the land on which the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch (GKKM) stands be used only for sports purposes has upset many locals.
Describing Pune as the cultural hub of Maharashtra and GKKM as the prime venue of big cultural events, Dr Satish Desai, former mayor, said, "I will go to court against the Club of Maharashtra."
'Shocking'
Aaba Bagul, Congress leader of opposition in PMC, who celebrates Navratri festival with a lot of fanfare, said, "It is shocking that GKKM has been banned for all cultural programmes." Regular club hoppers are also upset about this decision. "We can't believe there will be no musical or dance shows at GKKM," said Satyajit Chakraborty, a singer from Sinhagard Road.
Amar Pardeshi, manager, GKKM, admitted that with GKKM shutting down in the festive season, people will be left with very few options. "The Balgandharv Ranga-mandir and Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagriha are already booked for other events. The PMC is going to court against Club of Maharashtra," he said.
About GKKM
The Ganesh Kala Krida Manch (GKKM) was built in 1989 as an open-air theatre. It was later enclosed and turned into an auditorium. With a seating capacity of 2,700, GKKM is considered to be the biggest auditorium in India. ÂSo far, PMC has spent more than Rs 5 crore on this theatre, which has proved to be a good revenue puller,Âsaid Madhav Latkar, development Engineer, PMC. | 
