Hockey stadium turf work hits road block

DYSS upset as consignment differs from the sample provided while securing tender

According to DYSS sources, the sample provided by the Greenfields, Netherlands, at the time of signing the agreement is different from the consignment that arrived last week. “The consignment from Greenfields -- the company authorised by DYSS to lay the new turf -- is vastly different in density, colour and texture when compared to the original sample. While the colour may not be a big issue, texture and density matters. The latter two play the most vital roles  in cushioning, speed and sustainability,” said the source.
“The moment the consignment arrived, DYSS officials spotted the difference in colour. A further physical evaluation proved the turf was different in texture too.

“When DYSS questioned Greenfields, the latter played down the issue saying the consignment was of a superior quality than the sample provided and there was nothing to worry.”

However, the explanation did not satisfy DYSS. While the work on laying the base for the turf is progressing, the actual turf will not be laid until DYSS is satisified with the quality of the material.

As per the tender concluded in February this year, DYSS had to pay Greenfields 60 per cent of the contract amount upon arrival of the consigment. The remaining amount is to be cleared only when the turf is certified by the international hockey federation (FIH).

“Only an FIH-approved laboratory can give a green signal to the turf. Hence, Greenfields agreed that the payment be stopped and the turf be tested by an FIH-approved laboratory. But a decision on this will be taken at a meeting scheduled for Monday. The entire expenses of testing the material will have to be borne by Greenfields,” added the source.

What if the turf fails test? “In such a case, Greenfields will have to get a new consignment at their cost. If they don’t agree then a fresh tender will be called for. However, Greenfields is confident that the turf will be approved by the lab and in fact the base laying work is going on despite the friction,” added the source.

KSHA Secretary K Krishnamurthy too confirmed the news and said the material is different in appearence but quality was yet to be ascertained. “Yes the material is different in colour and texture. But, I cannot comment on the quality. Only a test in a lab can tell you the answer.”