Stadium in Mysore Express' name crumbling

The State government’s plan to establish stadia in all hobli headquarters in the taluk, in the name of ‘Mysore Express’ Javagal Srinath, is yet to be realised. The one which was constructed 20 years back in the town is crumbling.

On the premises of the PU College, in the town, 2 acres and 20 guntas of land was earmarked for the Javagal Srinath Stadium and the works began 20 years back. However, the works were never completed. Now, the stadium is in a poor condition, thanks to the negligence and indifference of the officials concerned.

The stadium consists of two galleries, laid with stone slabs and two dressing rooms for the use of sports persons. Even though B Shivaram, the then minister, who planned the stadia, evinced interest, a track was never laid. Now weeds have grown on both the ground and the galleries. Local people have removed stone slabs for personal use, while miscreants have broken the doors and windows of the dressing rooms. The place has now turned into a haven for illegal activities.

Last year, MLA Y N Rudresh Gowda sanctioned Rs 5 lakh for laying of a track. Besides, another Rs 3.5 lakh is lying unspent. However, there has been no progress. Assistant Commissioner Sharath  assured that a meeting of the officials concerned would be convened soon to initiate the works.