Kosal Discussion and Development Forum

Balangir sports complex in a shambles

March 23, 2011 at 3:45 pm sanjibkarmee Leave a comment

Following report is from The Telegraph:

Balangir, March 22: Lack of vision and ill planning has put the sports complex here in a sorry state. The much-hyped project to promote games and sports in the district has drawn flak from the sports enthusiasts here.

Town residents allege that the complex would hardly serves any purpose for which it is being constructed as it is situated far away from the town and lacks proper planning facilities to conduct sports events and coaching.

Named after Rajendra Narayan Singhdeo, the erstwhile maharaja of Balangir and former chief minister of Orissa, the sports complex was constructed over an area of 8.7 acres.

In 1993, the foundation stone for the complex was laid. However, it was inaugurated in a hurry just before the 2009 Assembly election.

Sources said that Rs 1.63 crore has been spent in the construction of the sports complex and plans are afoot to spend another Rs 2.45 crore. Meanwhile, Rs 25 lakh has been spent on the levelling of the ground and construction of the road leading to the complex. Another Rs 60 lakh has been spent on construction of a sports hostel and indoor badminton hall.

Sarthak Mishra, a sports enthusiast, said the badminton hall is so small that no competition can be held there.

“The badminton hall has no space to accommodate spectators. As a result, although Balangir hosts one of the best badminton tournaments, it is held at a club ground instead of sports complex,” said Mishra.

The case is similar for the swimming pool in the sports complex. The construction of the swimming pool has been completed and water has also been filled in the pool.

“However, the swimming pool has not been functional as there has been no provision for drainage of the used water and filling of fresh water. A layer of green algae has been floating in the pool water due to lack of maintenance. Similarly, the swimming pool is also too small to organise any competition,” said sports enthusiast Prafulla Behera.

Earlier, Bermuda grass had been planted in the field, but no provision was made to water the grass. Now, Rs 15 lakh has been sanctioned to lay pipes to sprinkle water.

Ashok Padhi, executive engineer of public works department, said: “The ground will soon become suitable for games such as cricket and football when the grass grows up.”

Entry filed under: Balangir, Region watch.