A state-of-the-art auditorium is near completion at Carmel Chowk, Hazaribagh town, slated to be ready by July.

Work had come to a halt due to the lockdown, but now, labourers are back to complete work on the first air-conditioned auditorium of the town, which will have 1200-seat capacity as well as a spacious parking lot.

An engineer who was looking after the work said the zilla parishad (district board) owns 2 acres of land here, where the Rs. 5 crore project is being constructed on the important spot on the Ranchi-Patna highway on NH-33.

False ceiling and electric works are going on, besides installation of air conditioners.

At present, Hazaribagh has a town hall in Annada Chowk with a 500-seat capacity, lacking air conditioners, a good sound system and parking zones, resulting in traffic jams in the area.

Zilla parishad chairman Braj Kishore Jaiswal decided on the construction of the auditorium despite protest from some members.

This month, the Simpson Park near District Mor Chowk was also erected in Hazaribagh, by the zilla parishad.

Officials said the new park and auditorium will generate good revenue for the zilla parishad.

Jaiswal’s son Manish Jaiswal, who is also MLA of BJP from Hazaribagh Sadar, said the auditorium will fulfill the need of this area.

“A number of programs are organised here daily and due to the lack of a spacious auditorium, organizers are always facing trouble. I will ensure that work continues without any obstacle and if issues regarding funds come, I will provide from the MLA fund,” said Jaiswal.