Delay in inauguration of stadium worries people

Delay in inauguration of stadium worries people

The Hindu

The B.R. Ambedkar Stadium was completed two years ago

# The stadium has been built at a cost of Rs. 5.25 crore
# It is spread over an area of 7.39 acres
# Mayor says the stadium will be inaugurated soon

BANGALORE: Residents and sports enthusiasts in Rajajinagar and Basaveshwaranagar are a worried lot. Though the Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BMP) has completed the construction of a modern indoor stadium in the area, it is yet to be thrown open to the public.

Located at Agrahara Dasarahalli near Basaveshwaranagar, the B.R. Ambedkar Stadium has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 5.25 crore. Though work on the stadium, which started in 1997, was completed almost two years ago, it has been kept locked till now, residents said.

Though people have been using the basketball court and skating ring for the past three years, the other facilities, including the badminton court, are lying unused. The former area corporator Gangabhyraiah has blamed the BMP for the delay in opening the stadium.

"There are many sports enthusiasts in the area, who want to use the facilities. They have even come forward to maintain the stadium. But it looks as though the BMP does not want people to use it. Corporator M. Srinivasa assaulted me on Friday, when I wanted to explain all this to Mayor Mumtaz Begum during her inspection of the area," he said.

Spread over 7.39 acres, the stadium has facilities for many sports, including basketball, tennis, badminton, football, skating, and athletics. All the courts have been constructed with care, strictly adhering to international standards. In the first phase, the administration block, basketball court, skating ring, badminton court, gymnasium, adjoining gallery and dais and office-cum-exhibition hall were constructed. A running track of 400 metres, a jogging track, and a football court were completed in the second phase. The stadium also provides accommodation for over 50 people.

Basketball players of the B.R. Ambedkar Basketball Academy, who use the court regularly, are happy with the court. K. Paramesh from the Rajajinagar Sports Association said many players, who were now practising under a high-tension wire in Industrial Town, were waiting for the badminton court to be opened.

"We have already submitted a memorandum to the area corporator in this regard. But he told us that we couldn't use the stadium till it is formally inaugurated. What is the use of spending so much and building the stadium?"

When contacted, the Mayor said the delay was because some carpentry and electrical work had to be completed. "I have directed the officials to ensure that the stadium is opened for the public by next month," she added.