Andhra Pradesh - Vijayawada   

A hurdle in sports lovers' way

VIJAYAWADA: Anyone who steps into Makineni Basavapunnaiah Municipal Corporation Stadium at Singhnagar is greeted by a massive concrete pavement right in the middle of the playfield. If you think it is a facility provided to the players, then you are wrong. This cement pavement, in fact, is a hindrance to players as it is meant for helicopters to land and take off.

The district officials, who were in search of a safe place for helicopters carrying VIPs to land and take off, felt that the Singhnagar stadium was the right choice much to the anguish of sports lovers.

“This is ridiculous. If the officials want a place for a helipad, they should have searched elsewhere in the city. This concrete pavement is a hindrance for games such as football and hockey. It will take the sheen out of the contest and the players could suffer injuries. Interestingly, these high-profile VIPs visit the city once or twice a year,” felt Ch. Venkateswara Rao, a regular walker to the stadium.

The stadium, which was spruced up to help youngsters play their chosen sports and games in and around Singhnagar, is a fine example of official apathy as the assurances by the officials are yet to be implemented. “The stadium is uneven and levelling should be taken up immediately. Owing to the rains, the mud was washed away and the pebbles are all over the playfield causing discomfort to the players and walkers,” said Mr. Phani Prakash, a retired employee, who comes to the stadium for fitness.

While the corporation, keen to increase its revenue, is granting permission to religious meetings and other private programmes, it is not showing interest in providing basic facilities.

The ambitious plan of the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation to bring in schoolchildren from municipal schools to the stadium is yet to takeoff.

“The corporation has asked the physical education teachers of its schools, having no playgrounds in and around Singhnagar, to use the stadium on a regular basis. But so far no efforts have been made to bring the students into the stadium,” felt a coach.

Poor drainage

The stadium turns into a massive pool during the monsoon owing to the poor drainage system. “The drainage is not proper in the stadium. As the road levels surrounding the stadium have been raised, the stadium is gradually sinking,” said Mr. Prakash.

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