PMC falls short of stadium goal

Civic body spends Rs 2.5 crore in two years on hockey stadium that's far from complete

Civic body spends Rs 2.5 crore in two years on hockey stadium that's far from complete

An application filed by RTI activist Sudhir Kaka Kulkarni revealed that a hockey stadium that was promised two years ago is far from complete. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has spent Rs 2.5 crore for the ambitious Dr Ambedkar Hockey Stadium at Bopodi.

Even after an inquiry committee report, submitted by K C Karkar, deputy municipal commissioner (general) PMC, in March, the civic body is yet to act.

"The RTI report does not clarify how much land the PMC possesses and how it is being utilised," Kulkarni said.
When contacted Karkar said that action has been initiated. "I am not aware of the actual development at the place but the issue must be pursued by the other departments concerned," he said.

Sudhakar Telang, deputy commissioner, Land and Acquisition, PMC, said: "We have acquired the land at Sirveu Number 64 and 65 at Chikhalwadi in Bopodi and the construction work at the stadium is in progress. I cannot say when the work will be completed."

The stadium which was proposed to be used for the Commonwealth Youth Games matches and national and state matches is yet to have any basic amenity in place.

Hockey coach Ravi Dravid said: "We are talking about our national game. The hockey stadium is not ready and definitely not fit for practice purpose, even though work has been in progress for the last two years."

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