Modern facilities at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium still a dream

Lack of amenities haunt Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, spread over an area of 13.5 acres, at Bastipadpu in Hejamadi.

The stadium near National Highway-66 in Kaup taluk has the potential to be converted into a taluk-level stadium.

The ambitious work on the pavilion that began two years ago, has come to a stand still following shortage of funds.

The Rs two-crore project aimed at developing a gallery that could accommodate over 1,000 people, administrative offices, six stalls, 400-metre dirt track and drainage was initiated when Vinay Kumar Sorake was the MLA, under the aegis of Youth Empowerment and Sports Department. As much as Rs 1 crore of the
total fund has been utilised so far. However, the work has come to a standstill due to lack of funds.

The stadium equipped with modern facilities has still remained a dream.

Background

The foundation stone for the construction of the stadium was laid during the tenure of Kaup MLA Vasanth V Salian in 2002.

Inaugurated in 2004, the stadium had witnessed several games and football matches.

However, the pavilion, constructed unscientifically, had become a spot for illegal activities due to lack of security at the stadium. Udupi Zilla Panchayat had spent Rs 10 lakh to repair the pavilion. Further, electricity, toilets and a gallery was constructed.

The work on the renovation of the stadium was taken up under MLALAD at an estimated cost of Rs 24.30 lakh, in 2009.

Despite so many developmental works, the stadium has not been of much use.

In 2014-15, Rs 25 lakh was released by the sports department and in 2015-16, Rs 29 lakh was released for the construction of compound around the stadium.

Remaining funds

“The government has promised to release the remaining amount. The work will be accelerated once the funds are released,” said Udupi district Youth Empowerment and Sports department Joint Director Roshan Kumar Shetty.