Excelsior Sports Correspondent
KATRA, Mar 3: N N Vohra, Governor, Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, inspected Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Multi-purpose Sports Stadium at Katra yesterday and directed that time bound steps be taken for the completion of all aspects of the Stadium and the sports competition areas. He advised the Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board, Dr M K Bhandari, to urgently finalise a pert- chart for establishing timelines of completion of every element of this project. This modern outdoor Stadium is being constructed by the Shrine Board at an estimated cost of around Rs.8.00 crore.
The Governor reviewed the ground excavation work and other ongoing works at the Stadium and issued instructions for fast growing species of shady trees and ornamental plants being planted along the entire boundary of the Stadium. He directed the Engineering Wing to expeditiously complete the excavation work, to be followed by laying of quality turf on the ground. Shri Mohandaas, officer in charge of the forestry wing, informed that after ascertaining from other stadiums, in various parts of the country, a decision had been taken about the species of grass to be planted for turfing the Stadium grounds. The plantation shall be carried out during the monsoon season. He was also informed that an automatic pop-up water sprinkler system is being installed simultaneously for proper maintenance of the turf.
Dr. Bhandari, CEO, informed that the pavillion of the Stadium would have a seating capacity for around 3,000 spectators. He said that basketball and volleyball courts are nearing completion while infrastructure for other games is also being created.
The Governor observed that with the completion of this Project, the Stadium Complex would provide a very good opportunity for the youth to participate in various sports activities. He directed the CEO to take advance necessary action to ensure that this facility is put to optimum use for organizing district and State level sports competitions and, in due course, national level sports events.
The Governor asked the Director Sports, SMVDSB, to prepare a calendar of activities for involving various schools, colleges and Universities in various competitive sports events in the coming months, after its commissioning. He also directed the Director Sports to meet the Vice Chancellor of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and see that the sports infrastructure in the University is put to optimum use.
The Katra Stadium will have provision for various sports like football, cricket, hockey, volleyball, basketball, handball, wrestling, kabaddi, kho-kho, table tennis etc. and shall have a gymnasium, changing rooms, pantry facilities, toilets and parking space.
Dr. Ashok Bhan, Member, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Mr. H. L. Maini, Member and Technical Consultant of the Shrine Board; Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; Dr MK Bhandari, CEO of the Shrine Board; Ashok Kumar, Director Sports SMVDSM and senior Civil, Police and the Shrine Board officers were present on this occasion.
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