Open Air Theatre Kishtwar might have brought cheer to the people of this hilly town when it was delivered in 2008-09 to them by a munificent Government. The people might have envisioned the campus as the venue for all cultural and artistic functions in the town and that a source of improvement and enrichment of the culture of this hilly area. But harsh realities on the ground are different from expectations. A complex built in the heart of the town and with easy accessibility to all parts of the town has not been put to use for which it was intended. Instead certain administrative offices have been lodged in it that have not even the remotest connection with culture and cultural activities. Not to speak of public functions of cultural orientation, even Government functions aimed at promoting facets of local culture are not organized at the open air theatre though it has the capacity of accommodating about one hundred guests. Actually, it is the department of culture and tourism that should have joined heads to ensure that the complex is used for its original purpose. Built at a cost of over 50 lakh rupees, the open theater is begging for repairs and proper maintenance. If conditions do not improve, it will not be long before much damage is done to it by weathering process. It has not helped promote Kishtwar and its local culture and that means the very purpose of the investment is defeated. Somebody has to shoulder the responsibility of total neglect of the complex. The Government should immediately issue orders that its rooms are vacated and handed over back to the Kishtwar Development Authority for proper use.
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