Uncertainty over construction of indoor stadium

ITDA has prepared the blueprint for the project at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore and a fund of Rs 45 lakh has been sanctioned under the Backward Region Grant Fund since 2011-12, but the work is yet to commence as the agency has failed to get a suitable land for the purpose.

Officials said though they had written to the Tehsildar and the municipality several times to provide a patch of around two acre land for the construction of the stadium, the fund is lying unused for the past two years.

"We have written to the tehsil office and the Jeypore municipality several times but we are yet to get a suitable patch of land for the purpose," said Jeypore ITDA project administrator Laxmi Dhar Das. "As soon as we get the land, work for the stadium will start," he added.

Jeypore tehsildar Maheswar Naik said, "We had offered land at some locations but ITDA officials rejected them as unsuitable for the construction of an indoor stadium. We are looking for a few new patch of land in the town".

Locals feel as the town lacks a well-equipped stadium, sincere efforts should be made to ensure the indoor stadium is built before the fund is returned. The stadium will also help in growth of indoor games in the region, they say.

"Presence of an indoor stadium will undoubtedly boost the efficiency of sportspersons in various indoor games and will help in grooming budding players. Big tournaments could also be organised which will help in growth of indoor games like badminton, chess and table tennis," said Kapilendra Singhal, a badminton player.