SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today gave nod to the construction of state-of-art stadia in the twin capitals by converting the Bakshi Stadium here and Jammu’s MAM Stadium into modern, international-standard sports facility.
“Rs 200 crores special package for the development of sports infrastructure approved by the Centre should be taken best advantage of developing sports facilities of international standard,” he said while receiving on a proposal to this effect at a high-level meeting here.
Omar said the special package to develop the two existing sports stadia at Srinagar and Jammu into modern sports facility would go in a big way to boost sports activities and nurture the talent.
“There is urgent need of upgrading the existing sports facilities in the cities and at the towns of the State so that youth are provided ample opportunities to excel and bring laurels to the State in different sports activities,” he said.
For the reconstruction of Bakshi Stadium on international specifications an amount of Rs 80 crores is being expended, Youth Welfare and Sports-Director Dalip Thusoo said.
He said reconstruction of entire stadia with RCC framed structure, tensile structure roofing over stands and pavilion and three-tier seating pattern with chairs has been proposed.
The state-of-the-art sports facility at Bakshi Stadium will consist of 10 lane synthetic Athletic track, seating capacity for 40,000 chairs, sports hostel for 50 inmates, upgradation of indoor stadium with maple wood flooring, HVAC changing rooms and sanitation facility besides renovation of basement, halls and exterior development, he said.
The Chief Minister was apprised that reconstruction of MAM Stadium involving Rs 75 crores envisages reconstruction of the stadium with RCC framed structure, tensile structure roofing and seating arrangement for 40,000 people in three-tiers with chairs, sports hostel for 500 inmates and facility for other games.
Omar also approved multi-purpose indoor sports halls at Kathua, Doda, Reasi, Bhour Camp and upgradation of sports facilities at Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu region. He directed for developing water sports centre at Mansbal for which Rs two crores are proposed.
He said two multi-purpose indoor sports halls in North and two in South Kashmir should also be constructed at a cost of Rs four crore each. (AGENCIES)