HUDA undecided on Sports Complex’s construction

PANCHKULA, July 16: The construction of the much talked about multi-purpose Sport Complex in Sector 3 here, is yet to take off, even thou...

PANCHKULA, July 16: The construction of the much talked about multi-purpose Sport Complex in Sector 3 here, is yet to take off, even though the proposal to construct the sports complex, included in the Master Plan, was taken almost seven years back.

After the Haryana Chief Minister Bansi Lal laid the foundation stone of the project two months back, Haryana Urban Development Authority is still undecided about the facilities to be provided in the first phase, as admitted by M Khetan, Administrator HUDA: "We are in the process of finalising the specifications, which we will procure from different sources (including the National Institute of Sports, Patiala) and then start with the contruction of the first phase."

According to a HUDA official, Rs 8 crore have been earmarked for the first phase of the project. The projects expected to be taken up in the first phase are: cinder track, cricket field, badminton hall and squash courts.

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The construction of a campus building is also marked for the first phase, which will take nearly two years to be completed. "Our main idea is to provide the basic facilities in the initial stage. Side by side, we also plan to carry on with the full project," he said.

He further explained that HUDA is also undecided on the design of the swimming pool, which may be a part of the first phase.

Tall trees which stand at the site of the cricket field are likely to be auctioned in a few days time, according to another official.

The HUDA officials also informed that the proposed badminton hall will meet international specifications and the indoor hall, when complete, will have the capacity to hold national and international tournaments. However, the 400-metre track is expected to only will have cinder surface. "They should have a synthetic track instead, so that national and international meets can be held in the region," felt a veteran athlete.