Due to the slow execution of work by the executing agency, Uttar Pradesh Rajkiya Nirman Nigam, not even one fourth of the total work on the renovation and construction of Ransi stadium has been completed yet.
At the present rate of progress, the executing agency would take a long time to complete construction of the stadium.
The then Chief Minister and present MP from Garhwal, Maj Gen (retd) Bhuwan Chandra Khanduri had announced Rsfive crore for the development of the Ransi Stadium during his first term as the CM during 2007-09.
In the initial stage,
Rs81 lakh was released by the Government last year to start the renovation work of the stadium and now Rsone crore has been released.
The sports lovers here are hoping that the NDA Government at the Centre will ensure that the Ransi stadium is developed without delay.
The Ransi ground in the district and regional headquarter Pauri slated to be developed as the only stadium in Asia located at an altitude of 7,000 feet above sea level is
yet to be developed to meet international standards as
envisioned.
In 1974, Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna, the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh had laid down the foundation stone for this stadium and sanctioned Rs12 lakh for its construction.
After the Ransi stadium ground was prepared, national university and district level events were organised here, but the condition of this ground deteriorated due to the indifferent attitude of the Government of the undivided Uttar Pradesh.
During his tenure as the Union Surface Transport Minister in the NDA Government headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, BC Khanduri had facilitated financial
assistance from his MP fund for the renovation of this
ground and later sanctioned Rsfive crore during his term
as the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand.
Taking to The Pioneer the former vice-chairman of the Uttarakhand Sports Council and District Sport Association Jaspal Singh Negi expressed annoyance at the slow pace of work by the executing agency. Negi expressed hope that the Central Government will help in enhancing this stadium to international standards.
Negi said that as per the DPR, the stadium will comprise a 400 metre athletics track with six to eight lanes meeting international standards, hockey and football ground, underground water outlet system, electrification of the whole area of the stadium, seating facility for 35,000 spectators on the southern side of the stadium, changing
room for men and women, double storey building for the accommodation of coaches with kitchen and canteen facility, store room, overhead tank atop the adjoining hill to supply water, accommodation for class four employees, VIP pavilion, commentary box and a media gallery.