Using Palace Grounds may not be easy anymore

Using Palace Grounds may not be easy anymore
S Kushala | TNN

Bangalore: When recently, organisers of a private exhibition did not obtain prior approval to hold a show at the Bangalore Palace Grounds, and later cheated many participants of their money, the government decided they had to put an end to this. Which means permission to use the venue will be hard to come by.
The government has now constituted a single-window committee for approvals. Headed by DPAR secretary, with DC urban and heads of civic bodies as its members, it will screen applications for use of Palace Grounds. Strict rules are being formulated to grant permission. In fact, it is considering whether high-decibel performances, rock shows and consumer exhibitions should be given approval at all.
Traditionally, Palace Grounds has been the venue for such events and some of best rock concerts and performances have been held here. However, following the recent fiasco by the organisers of Electrika — a 4-day international trade show for the electrical industry — who not only did not obtain approval on time, but also cheated the delegates, the government decided to do take this action.
In the light of the controversy, the committee members have suggested that the government go slow on granting approvals for rock shows, high-decibel performances, consumer exhibitions stretching over couple of days. “Instead, the committee members are of the view that preference should be given to one-day activities like exhibitions conducted by educational institutions, seminars, social functions like, wedding receptions,’’ officials said.
The committee has considered the feedback given by the Pollution Control Board as well as the traffic department about the increase in sound pollution as well as traffic hold-ups when such shows are held. According to official sources, the traffic police have pointed to major traffic pileups in the city central areas on the day rock shows and other performances are held. Residents in surrounding areas have complained about the high-decibel sound during such shows.
As a rule, permissions for holding events at the Palace Grounds have to be obtained from the DPAR one month before the event. But the same was not being followed strictly. Now, the committee will make this rule mandatory.
“Till now, the fee collected for the permission was also ad hoc. But from now on, we have suggested that the government levy a standardised fee: BBMP to collect charges for garbage clearance and cleaning, Bescom for power, police department for maintenance of law and order and manning traffic,’’ committee members explained.
OTHER VENUES
National College Grounds, Basavangudi Tamarind Tree, Kanakapura Road Grounds in Peenya, Jakkur, Whitefield NGEF Grounds, Old Madras Road RSI Grounds, MG Road Malleswaram 18th Cross Ground