Lack of facilities at the sports stadium in Bemetara. (Photo source: Patrika)

Bemetara: The main sports stadium in Bemetara, about seven years old, is in poor condition because of a lack of maintenance and its use for non-sporting activities.

More than Rs 7 crore has been spent on the stadium so far. Even so, players are struggling to get basic facilities. There are not enough staff for cleaning, the gym equipment is faulty and the badminton courts do not have adequate lighting.

Faulty gym equipment, poorly lit courts

Much of the gym equipment is faulty and rusted because of a lack of maintenance. With no trainer in place, even the usable equipment is not being used regularly.

In the evening, badminton players find it difficult to practise because there is not enough light in the middle of the courts. Players say the problem has not been permanently resolved despite repeated complaints.

There is also reportedly a lack of coordination between the PWD and the municipality over the upkeep of the stadium and responsibility for it. Players have demanded repair of the running track, better lighting on the courts and regular maintenance.

Heavy vehicles damage running track

About three years ago, the panchayat had a running track built at a cost of Rs 11 lakh. The track has been damaged in several places by heavy vehicles and trucks moving on it during repeated events. Deep pits have also formed on the ground, which is affecting players' practice.

Naresh Kumar Verma, chief municipal officer (CMO) of the municipality, said the track was damaged during one event when heavy vehicles and four-wheelers moved on it and jeera gitti (fine crushed stone chips) was brought in. He said the damaged sections would be inspected and repaired soon.

Stadium used for other purposes

Besides sports training and competitions, the stadium has also been used for cattle sheds, mass weddings, cultural programmes and paddy procurement and storage. This has affected the condition of the ground and the track.