*5 yrs on, 7 crore project crying for its completion
Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, Feb 22: Notwithstanding the tall claims and promises made by the State Government that the sports infrastructure is being revitalized and upgraded with a tremendous support from the Union Sports Ministry and the requisite/sufficient facilities are being provided to the budding sportspersons at the grass-root level, the scientifically designed on international standards-Multi Disciplinary Indoor Sports Complex at MA Stadium, which was scheduled to be made functional by March 2013, is in dilapidated condition and still crying for its completion, despite a lapse of over five years.
According to the reliable sources, to give fillip to the sports activities in Jammu, the Multi Disciplinary Indoor Sports Complex was scheduled to be made functional way back in 2013.
Sources said that the complex was to be constructed at a cost of Rs 7 crore, with a fund of Rs 5.50 crore by the Government of India under its Urban Sports Infrastructure Development Scheme and an amount of Rs 1.50 crore as a State share.
Sources added that the Government of India has released its full amount for the construction of the complex being raised over a land of 9 Kanals, adding that the construction work of the complex was executed by the Engineering Wing of the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council way back in 2012.
Sources further said that the foundation stone of the complex was laid on April 9, 2012 by the then Sports Minister, Taj Mohi-ud-Din in the presence of then MLA East Ashok Khajuria, adding since then the construction work of the complex is going on but the completion of the same is nowhere in sight.
“The timely completion of the Sports Complex in two years as allocated by Government of India will not only have encouraged sportspersons in the State but also would have proved beneficial for holding national as well as international level events in its arena,” said an employee of the J&K State Sports Council while expressing anonymity.
Sources said that the complex was designed to have all the modern facilities including Multipurpose Sports Hall, Gymnasium, Fencing Hall, Judo/Karate Hall, Wushu Hall, besides facility for other indoor games, adding that the two storied Multi-Disciplinary Sport Complex was aimed at housing four suites to host players and coaches of national and international repute, changing room, standard size hall of 40x 25 meters, 5 other halls of 18×20 meters each for conducting different games, besides one meeting hall for discussing the strategies for holding national and international events.
The complex is having provision for many games under one-roof including Handball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Wrestling, Badminton, Table Tennis, besides all Martial Art disciplines like Judo, Karate, Wushu etc.
Sources close to Sports Council said that the Sports Complex which was designed on international pattern with German made maple-wood flooring and LED lights to add grace to its interior looks and raise the standard of playing is in pathetic condition and talking of quality flooring and lights is to cry for the moon.
When contacted and asked about the incompletion of the Complex, the Engineering Wing of the Sports Council said that the amount released by the Centre has been used, however, the State share is yet to be released, adding as soon as the State releases the amount the construction work will be initiated and completed at an earliest.
Moreover, the Government had promised renovation of already existing old multi-purpose Sports Hall with the same maple-wood flooring, however, the defects with regard to sufficient lighting system and allied facilities still exist in it.
In a chat with sportspersons of various games, EXCELSIOR observed that there is dire need of Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti’s intervention in the matter to make this asset functional.
“CM’s and Sports Minister’s visit on the site, to take stock of the things is the need of the hour,” said a bunch of sportspersons.
Secretary J&K State Sports Council, Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra when asked about the incompletion of the Complex despite lapse of so many years, said that the State had to release funds for construction works and the formalities for the same have been completed and the Council is in the tendering process now, adding that he hoped the completion of the construction work will be completed very soon.
Mr Parra further said that after the completion of this international standard Sports Complex in Jammu, it will cater to the needs of thousands of sportspersons in various disciplines of sports.
The renovation and development of already existing sports infrastructure is as important as raising new infrastructure. For that matter, the intervention of Chief Minister in the issue of incompletion of construction work at Indoor Sports Complex in Jammu, is the need of the hour.
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