Revamp on cards for community halls

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to refurbish its community halls to woo back families that have been choosing to organise events and wedding at farmhouses in increasing numbers. Hamari Jamatia reports.

The South Delhi Municipal Corporation has decided to refurbish its community halls to woo back families that have been choosing to organise events and wedding at farmhouses in increasing numbers.

HT Image

The municipal body has proposed to refurbish 80 of its community halls by installing central air-conditioners along with fire-protection systems, swanky toilets and modern kitchen appliances. The facilities will be eco-friendly and re-modelled with the addition of new spaces. They will also be made disabled-friendly.

According to municipal officials, weddings in south Delhi families are increasingly being held at farmhouses and hotels. Only families belonging to the lower-middle class choose community halls, the officials said. The revamped halls are expected to attract people from across income groups.

"Nowadays, most families want weddings to take place in air-conditioned halls with modern facilities such as dressing rooms and swanky toilets. As most of the halls are in bad shape with crumbling walls, we are upgrading them," said a senior official of the municipal corporation.

Once the renovation is complete, however, the corporation may increase the charges of the community halls, which now vary between R10,000 and R20,000 a day. This way, the corporation also expects to increase its revenue.

"If residents organise events at farmhouses, they have to pay at least Rs 50,000. Our hall rates will be lower," added the official.

The proposal is expected to be discussed at the standing committee meeting to be held on Tuesday.