In 2016, a team of 10 architects under the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) came together to build an organic, sustainable amphitheatre for artistes in Jalandhar's Urban Estate. A decade later, the once-ambitious project lies abandoned, unused, and ignored, with locals largely unaware of its origins or purpose.
Architects Speak Out on Abandoned Dream
After The Tribune highlighted the plight of the amphitheatre, the architects involved spoke about their passion for the project and the hurt they feel seeing it neglected. Jaskirat Singh, a Jalandhar-based architect who was part of the 2016 team, said, "Most of our team members have left Jalandhar; some have moved abroad. Under senior architect JJ Singh of IIA, a team of 10 to 11 architects had envisioned the project. It was a passionate project of the IIA. A sustainable, climate-friendly venture envisioned while taking into account the local topography and fabric of the city."
Singh added, "Even today, as I grab coffee in the area, it hurts to see such a beautiful space, which we worked hard on, lying abandoned."
Project Worth Crores Remains Incomplete
The Open Air Theatre (OAT), as it was called, was envisioned to include an 80-ft steel statue art installation called the 'Tornado', an art space, a recreational area for children, kiosks, seating for the elderly, an exhibition space, a performance centre, a rainwater harvesting system, and landscaping with ample greenery. The project remains incomplete.
Singh explained, "The issue was taken up with PUDA and the local government under then Mayor Sunil Jyoti (BJP), for which a multi-crore project was okayed by the government. The work began in full swing but got stalled after the election code of conduct was imposed and later, the PUDA official overseeing the project was transferred, key architects moved abroad, and everyone forgot about the space."
Community Effort for City Upliftment
Singh noted that many of the architects had worked abroad and saw the project as a community-oriented effort for the uplift of the city. "The idea came from IIA; fortunately, the government agreed to help. It is rare for such a prolific team of architects to come together to build such an organic space. We had thought it would eventually generate revenue for the government," he said.
He added, "A basic structure still exists. If the government undertakes restoration work on the project, it could still be a bustling public space, for which people are willing to pitch in and artists are looking forward to using the space."
Current State of Disrepair
Located behind the market in Urban Estate Phase 2, the open-air theatre now has overgrown grass, weeds, broken stairs, and bird droppings. The structure features twin stages and tiered staircases, still presenting a grand sight despite disrepair. Ironically, it is surrounded by some of the city's newest cafes in an upscale area known for quaint eateries, yet the space remains ignored.
The amphitheatre, which could support a thriving music and theatre scene, is a testament to Jalandhar's cultural legacy but now lies as a symbol of lost potential. The architects hope that restoration could revive it as a bustling public space for the community.
