Madikeri: Raja Seat is closed to tourists for five weeks from Tuesday as authorities undertake concreting of Raja Seat Road.The groundbreaking ceremony for upgrading the road, which had been in poor condition for years and hindered movement, was held three months ago. The project was delayed because permission to close the road had not been granted.At a City Municipal Council general meeting on Oct 23, MLA Manthar Gowda directed that work begin immediately. Contractors started construction after the elected body’s term ended this month with its final meeting on Oct 23.The existing asphalt is being removed before gravel is laid, with concrete pouring due to begin in 10 days. Vehicles may be allowed during emergencies before pouring, but the road will be completely closed once concrete is laid.Officials said permission had been obtained to close the road and remove roadside trees. They said the concrete road would end the recurring pothole problem.Meanwhile, the old auditorium at Gandhi Maidan on Raja Seat Road was demolished on Monday for a new Rs 2.1 crore facility. Engineers said it would have a large permanent stage, artistes’ green rooms, restrooms, parking and other essential infrastructure. Site-clearing began after machinery razed the old structure.The deteriorating auditorium had hosted cultural programmes, public meetings, ceremonies and protests, but its stage became unfit for use. Plans to replace it were discussed last year. The project, initially intended for inauguration by this year’s Dasara, aims to avoid annual spending of Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh on a temporary Dasara stage.
