Will the horses be allowed to stay closer home?

Will the horses be allowed to stay closer home?


Express News ServiceFirst Published : 07 Mar 2009 07:52:00 AM ISTLast Updated : 07 Mar 2009 09:41:11 AM IST
BANGALORE: The horses might stay nearer home, somewhere under the Chikkajala limits.
And the people who patronise them are dreaming of a finely landscaped club with a rejuvenated lake in its midst, besides malls, multiplexes, children’s park and so on to make a day out on the races a classic family affair.
The long-drawn wrangle between the State government and the Bangalore Turf Club authorities over the relocation of the club upon the expiry of its lease period later - in December, this year, looks headed for some meeting point.
The BTC which has had a 150-year-old race in the heart of the city, may even be allowed some justified time to take the curtain call.
According to sources privy to a recent meeting between BTC authorities and Chief Secretary Sudhakar Rao, where the BTC’s point that it be allowed to relocate to a 153-acre space available in the vicinity of Doddajala and Chikkajala in Bangalore Urban district got a patient hearing, the BTC is now ready with a landscape plan for the area.
WATER ON TRACK The plan is complete with measures for the rejuvenation and conservation of two water bodies which together account for a 45-acre expanse within the area, sources said adding, “The BTC committee will be meeting soon to consider the landscape plan. We were waiting for the budget session to be through. We will be meeting the CS again.” Bangalore Urban district authorities confirmed that a proposal has been sent to the government stating that a 153-acre space under the Chikkajala- Doddajala limits which is “kharab” (disposable) may be given to the BTC.
“There are two tanks - about 45 to 48 acres - within the area. The proposal will therefore require the sanction from the irrigation department too,” said an official attached to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Bangalore Urban district. Late last year, the government had done some tough talk asking the BTC authorities that shall shift to Nandagugi in Hoskote.
The government had also held out a veiled threat that it may consider taking charge itself and outsource the BTC and its affairs to a private player.
THIS, NO RACE! On the time-frame for the relocation, a BTC source said, “We will require at least two years, even if the government was to give us the land tomorrow.” Laying the tracks and getting the stables ready will require so much time, he said, adding “we are not talking of club house and luxury here.” Infrastructure-wise, the BTC is worth Rs 27 crore spread on 67 acres: There are 1,000 stables a good number of which are underground stables; there is a veterinary hospital and more, it is impossible to shift out in a few months, it was noted.
“Accessibility and quality of races have been our high points, Nandagudi - 40 km away from the city will do us no good,” he said.