Taking exception to the inordinate delay in redeveloping the Mallikarjun Mansur Kalabhavan in Dharwad by the municipal and district administration, writers, artists and intellectuals have demanded immediate steps to expedite the work and reopen the facility at the earliest.Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Saturday, general secretary of Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha Shankar Halagatti pointed out that the Kalabhavan redevelopment project has been dragging on for years making it unavailable for literary and cultural events.Mr. Halagatti said that the district administration, legislators and the municipal corporation have neglected Kalabhavan and the adjoining Kadapa Maidan known for several historical movements.The inordinate delay in reopening the landmark auditorium in Dharwad has forced concerned citizens to form Save Kalabhavan Struggle Committee and launch an agitation, he said.Systematic attempts are being made to keep Kadapa Maidan, which is the birthplace of several movements, away from the people, he said and demanded immediate steps to clear encroachments on Kadapa Maidan.Mr. Halagatti urged the municipal administration to make public its plans to modernise Kalabhavan and Kadapa Maidan within a week and said that if the administration remains apathetic, they will be forced to launch an intensified protest and indefinite hunger strike.The committee also demanded that the Kalabhavan be fully equipped and made available to the public at affordable rates.Special concessional rates should be fixed for cultural programmes such as theatre, music and dance events. It should not be used for political programmes and facilities should be provided for theatre rehearsals and training activities.Treasurer of the sangha Satish Turamuri pointed out that another matter of concern is the maintenance of Kalabhavan and urged the administration to hand it over to the sangha for maintenance after redevelopment.It will also help the sangha, which is involved in promotion of literature, music, theatre and arts, to organise more such events, he said and mentioned that already discussions in this regard have been held with legislators and HDMC councillors.Scholar Veeranna Rajur said that the struggle committee has been formed to get Kalabhavan reopened and make Dharwad the centre of cultural and literary events again. The agitation will continue till the demand is met, he said. Published - July 12, 2026 07:44 pm IST