VIJAYAWADA: Developmental works in Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) stadium have taken a back seat due to lack of coordination between sports authorities and officials of municipal corporation. Earlier the government proposed to build a synthetic track in the stadium, which was later shifted to Visakhapatnam. Once again, officials have proposed to renovate the track and equip the stadium with other facilities, in accordance with international standards.IGMC Stadium stands as an iconic place in Vijayawada where hundreds of sports aspirants go to the stadium for their practice. However, the condition of the stadium is almost killing the dreams of sports enthusiasts due to lack of basic amenities. Though there are many proposals that have been laid by the VMC authorities, nothing has fructified.
In 2016, the officials set to design a synthetic track in the stadium at a cost of `7 crores, which was sanctioned by Sports Authority of India (SAI). The proposal was finalised and even the officials instructed people to choose another practise area. But all of a sudden, the track was shifted to Visakhapatnam. Though officials cite that the stadium area is smaller and does not meet international standards, coaches and other sources claim that the project was shifted only because of lack of coordination between Sports authorities and Municipal corporation people.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) and District Sports Authority (DSA) have their offices on the IGMC premises. Vijayawada being the State capital, the government is using the IGMC stadium for other major events other than sports. If the stadium is closed for the development of the synthetic track, the government will be unable to hold major events. When Express contacted District sports officials regarding developmental activities in the IGMC stadium, DSDO B Srinivas said, “The State officials are directly looking after the stadium activities, we will be following that too. SAAP proposed few projects to the State government. VMC officials are taking necessary measures in developing the stadium.”
When contacted, A Shekar, Director of Sports, VMC said, “During the rainy season, volleyball and handball courts get drenched, making it unsuitable for sportspersons to practice. We have decided to develop those courts and invited tenders for the same. We are also going to construct a walking track outside the stadium. As far as the synthetic tracks or any other major development is concerned, we have made a detailed project report (DPR) and submitted it to the government for approval.”