Report and pic by Vinay Pais
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (SP)

Kundapur, Aug 26: Gandhi Maidan, situated in the heart of the city, which was a hub of sports activities a few years back, was badly damaged because of official negligence and also it being turned into temporary bus stand cum urinal, during the road concreting work in the town. Sports lovers and athletes had been demanding to give a thorough facelift to this centrally located ground, the only one-of-its-kind available for them here, to hone their skills.

There is good news for them now. The ground is being spruced up and developed by using about Rs 47 lac, with the combined grants of the state and union governments, under the 12th Finance Commission. The Gandhi Maidan would be handed over to the department of sports and youth services. The development works would be taken up under the supervision of the assistant commissioner. A preliminary grant of Rs 26 lac has already been released in this regard.

The project includes construction of a 400-metre track, compound wall for gymnasium, volleyball court, lighting and providing with other amenities with the required infrastructure. As the total extent of Gandhi Maidan is 5.14 acres, the sports stadium committee has decided to provide adequate space for playing cricket with no encroachment on the main tacks to be laid. Necessary permission for cutting down trees has been obtained from the forest department. The sports lovers also have been pressing for the construction of gates both at the entrance and in the middle of the playground.

All those schools across the state which are interested for laying tracks in their play grounds, will be given a grant of  Rs 5 lac each by the government, said youth services and sports department official Dayanand Hegde, providing the above details at a press conference held here recently.