Ganjam: A mini stadium constructed close to Bharati Bidyapitha, one of the oldest educational institutes of this town to encourage local athletes, has now turned into a den of anti-social elements in the night and a pastureland the cattle during the day, a report said.
Former NAC chairman late Sharat Chandra Panda had laid the foundation of the stadium and its construction began in 2011. While the sports ministry sanctioned Rs 20 lakh, another Rs five lakh came from the MLALAD fund of Chhatrapur legislator Priyanshu Pradhan. The works department had executed the project. However, the sports ground doesn’t help the sportspersons as it is in a bad shape.
PWD junior engineer Lingaraj Subudhi said the construction has completed and the department has handed the stadium over to the District Sports Office (DSO). However, Subudhi, substantiating the allegation made by the locals, admitted that the work has deviated a bit from the actual plan (estimate).
According to locals, the stadium is full of craters and potholes that emit stink after water-logging following rain. Though the stadium had come up to groom fresh sports talents, it ended up becoming a hub of anti-social elements. While anti-socials make plans for crimes like snatching and dacoity, the stray cattle use the stadium for grazing.
During an NAC council meeting, it was decided that the stadium would be illuminated but nothing has been done in this direction. History-sheeters now use the stadium taking advantage of the darkness, alleged members of Badabazaar traders’ association.
Meanwhile, a boundary around the stadium has been constructed at Rs 9.10 lakh, granted under the Backward Region Grant Funds (BRGF). However, no one is sure as to who has been assigned the maintenance of the wall – NAC, Bhararati Bidyapitha or the district sports officer. Local demanded regular police patrolling at the stadium.
“I have take charge about a month back and don’t have any information on the mini stadium,” said PWD assistant engineer Niranjan Behera.
PNN
