The design for the Rajiv Gandhi international cricket stadium to be constructed in Dehradun was finalised in the meeting of the stadium’s governing body in New Delhi.
During the meeting at the ONGC office presided over by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, it was decided that construction of this stadium will be inaugurated on November 9 on the occasion of State foundation day.
The process for selection of the construction agency is underway and the agency will be selected by end of October. Apart from approval to the design and master plan for the stadium, the governing body members also discussed engineering and construction works.
This stadium will be constructed at Rajpur in Dehradun with the support of ONGC. The foundation for this stadium to be built on 22 acre area was laid in November 2012. The CM said that this stadium will be made to international standards and will help Dehradun become a part of the international sports map.
“This will prove to be a big step towards encouraging sports in Uttarakhand. Cricket and other sports will be encouraged in the stadium and the adjoining sports complex which will provide a major platform to the sporting talent in the State,” said Bahuguna while expressing hope that IPl, Ranji Trophy and international matches will also be held at this stadium. Stressing on the green building concept, Bahuguna said that the stadium building should be eco-friendly. He directed the additional chief secretary to ensure elaborate tree plantation in the areas near the stadium to increase the aesthetic beauty of the site.
Uttarakhand Sports secretary, Ajay Pradhyot said that the stadium has been designed as per ICC standards with the capacity for holding 25,000 persons. Sports complex and club house will also be added. Modern facilities will be provided for players, spectators and media in the stadium. Activities like — ice skating rink and sports complex — will keep the stadium occupied throughout the season, he added. The ONGC CMD Sudhir Vasudeva, Uttarakhand additional chief secretary Rakesh Sharma and resident commissioner SD Sharma were also present in the meeting.