Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 11: Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) chairman Santhosh Kumar Shetty has inspected six locations in and around Mangaluru to identify a suitable site for a well-equipped cricket stadium, as the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) sought has around 50 acres of government land to develop cricket infrastructure in the coastal city.
Shetty visited Tannirbhavi, Bengre, Bondel, Mulur, Kandavara and Kudupu following a request from the KSCA. The inspections were aimed at assessing the suitability of these locations for the proposed stadium and strengthening sports infrastructure in Mangaluru by providing better facilities and opportunities for local cricketers.
KSCA president Venkatesh Prasad
The proposed stadium is expected to give a significant boost to cricket in the region and contribute to the overall development of sports infrastructure, Shetty said.
The site inspections follow discussions between MUDA and KSCA management on developing cricketing facilities in Mangaluru and identifying suitable locations for the proposed infrastructure.
In a letter to Shetty, KSCA president and former cricketer Venkatesh Prasad had requested that around 50 acres of government land be allotted to the KSCA either through outright purchase or on a 50-year lease.
The KSCA, a non-profit organisation registered under the Karnataka Societies Registration Act, said its objective was to promote and develop cricket across Karnataka. It pointed out that more than 40% of the state team currently comprises players from districts outside Bengaluru, underlining the need to strengthen sporting infrastructure beyond the state capital.
As Mangaluru is a district headquarters, the association has stressed the need for adequate cricketing facilities to enable budding players from the district and neighbouring areas to train and showcase their talent.
The KSCA has also expressed its willingness to invest in developing the proposed facility and assured the government that the land would be used exclusively for the promotion and development of cricket.
According to the association's letter, development would be taken up in phases after the land is allotted and handed over, with essential infrastructure, including drainage systems, practice facilities and basic amenities, to be completed within three years.
The proposed facility is envisaged as a Centre of Excellence for cricket development in the region, benefiting young players from Mangaluru and surrounding areas. The KSCA has also requested MUDA to consider allotting the land at the lowest rates applicable to educational and sports organisations, whether through outright sale or long-term lease.
MUDA chairman inspects lakes ahead of development works
In a separate initiative, Shetty inspected lakes at Kumpala, Amblamogaru and Harekala in the Mangalore (Ullal) Assembly constituency ahead of the proposed foundation-laying ceremonies for their development.
During the visits, he reviewed the sites and obtained details from officials regarding the proposed works, with particular attention to improving the lakes and ensuring their proper maintenance.
MUDA officials were present during the inspections.