Port Blair, June 25: The Member of Parliament, A&N Islands, Shri Kuldeep Rai Sharma has raised concerns over the present condition of the Community Halls within the Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC) area. These Community Halls, which serve as valuable assets for the residents of Port Blair are in need of urgent repair and upgradation.

In a letter addressed to the Chairperson, Port Blair Municipal Council (PBMC), he mentioned that the Community Halls in various wards of PBMC have traditionally been popular venues for social gatherings such as birthday parties, weddings, family receptions, cultural programmes, awareness programmes and other functions. However, many of these Halls are currently in a state of disrepair.

He mentioned that while the availability of Community Halls at an affordable rate is commendable, the facilities within many of these Community Halls are inadequate. Issues such as lack of proper bathroom facilities and fittings, poorly planned kitchens and absence of air conditioning make it challenging for residents to organize functions, particularly during the dry and humid seasons.

In light of these concerns, the Member of Parliament requested the Chairperson, PBMC to take immediate action in undertaking the repair and upgradation work to bring these community halls up to the highest standard.

He also said that the proposed upgrade should include the construction of well-planned kitchens, installation of clean and functional toilets and provision of air conditioning facilities.

He pointed out that these measures will not only enhance the overall experience for residents utilizing the community halls but also provide a better platform for local youths to organize various cultural, artistic, awareness programmes and recreational events.

The Member of Parliament further mentioned that if Community Halls are maintained well then most of the people will opt for these Community Halls for small and medium functions, which will generate more revenue for PBMC.

He also requested to construct new Community Halls in all those PBMC wards, where Community Hall has not been built yet to support residents of the area.