‘No need for gallery at KCB sports complex,just plant trees’

According to KCB officials,while they still are waiting for the Defence Ministry’s nod to construct an astro-turf hockey stadium along the Pune-Mumbai Expressway,now the Principal Director Defence Estates,Southern Command,has also recommended that the proposal of the sports complex to be constructed near the Lal Bahadur Shastri High School be revised.

The Principal Director Defence Estates has in a letter raised objections to the plan on the following grounds:

* Spectators gallery may be done away with as its practical utility is doubtful.

* The space saved may be developed as a lawn with small shade trees to be used by the spectators for sitting during the sports events.

* Additional facilities such as courts for badminton and table tennis,boxing and gymnasium may be constructed in the sports complex.

However,KCB officials said some members expressed concern over the matter,which was discussed in the board meeting held recently. Since the funds for the complex are to be provided by the KCB,for which it has also issued tenders,the objections “are only a hindrance to the construction of the complex” said a board member.

The sports complex was to come up at a cost of nearly Rs 1.6 crore and spread across 2.5 acres.

KCB vice president,Manish Anand said,“The objections were discussed in the board meeting. However,the general consensus is that the spectators gallery is a must for the stadium.”

Accordingly,it was decided to request the Defence Estates Office to re-consider its view,said Anand.

“The ground is mostly being developed primarily for hockey and it will be difficult for the people to watch the games without the gallery,” he said.