Running its course: The synthetic track at Mangala Stadium was laid around 2012-13. Replacing it is the first requirement of the proposed upgrade
Rs 3 crore was sanctioned earlier when Siddaramaiah was the chief minister. Since it was not included in the Rs 3 crore plans, an additional Rs 1.5 crore was sanctioned. However, when the state cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru announced Rs 20 crore, the Rs 4.5 crore project was put on hold, D’Souza said. As per district minister UT Khader’s instructions, directions have been issued to PWD to draft a comprehensive plan of Rs 20 crore. The first requirement is a new synthetic track, as the current one was laid around 2012–13. “We suggested making an overall master plan not just limited to Rs 20 crore, but an expansive plan outlining what it would cost to do it in phases. The minister suggested that even if the estimate goes up to Rs 40 crore, there won’t be an issue. Within that, they will define what comes under Phase 1 within this year’s Rs 20 crore budget, what goes into Phase 2, and so on. The architect and executive engineers have been told to prepare it within 15 days,” he said.
The tender process was completed, but the work could not be taken up due to rain.
We have already briefed PWD engineers and they inspected the stadium,” he said. Hence, large towers with clustered high-mast lights have been planned, he said. D’Souza said that keeping in mind national events, the minister instructed the department to arrange roofing and proper seating facilities.
Meanwhile, based on requests from the Athletics Association and the athletes, the need to develop the ‘D-area’ came up to facilitate discus throw, javelin throw, shot put etc. The side drains, also old, need to be rebuilt. Floodlights are required for day and night events as well as for athletes’ training in the evenings. The stadium currently has just small lights, which are not adequate. We have asked the PWD to prepare a comprehensive DPR.