Kolhapur civic body reclaims 11 shops near Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha for redevelopment, ET RealEstate
KOLHAPUR: The civic administration has reclaimed 11 shops adjacent to the historic Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha, previously rented for commercial purposes, to expand the auditorium’s area as a part of its redevelopment and restoration plan.
The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) reclaimed the shops in the presence of a heavy police force on Tuesday. As KMC needed public utility space in the reconstruction of the Natyagruha, notices were served to the tenants as per the provisions of the rules.
“Final notices were issued to 14 tenants on March 11, 2025, under Section 81 (B) 1 of the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Act. Of these, 11 tenants vacated the shops, while a legal battle is under way with the remaining three,” estate officer Vilas Salokhe said.
KMC has released the third-phase tenders of Rs 11.77 crore for teh Natyagruha. The last day to submit the bids is Thursday. “The first-phase restoration works of the historical structure are nearing completion, while the second-phase works are likely to start by April-end. A total of Rs 25 crore has been approved by state govt for carrying out the restoration and renovation works of the Natyagruha in five phases, after it was damaged in a fire on the night of Aug 8, 2024,” an official said.
