Ground to see a different kind of ball game?

BANGALORE: Where does a child play if his residential area is devoid of a playground? Many playgrounds had been proposed to be converted into parks and other such recreational areas. This year itself there were 15 such proposals said Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials, however, most were declined.After mayor Shardamma, was sworn in, one of the first statements she made was that the playgrounds should be left as it is. But that does not seem to be the case anymore.Termed as ‘development work’ two playgrounds in the city may have to forgo their open space to make way for indoor stadiums. Deputy mayor S Harish also asserted that playgrounds should be left as it is.Victory Ground in Indiranagar and a playground in Sanjaynagar may see the construction blueprint soon if the proposal for the stadiums are sanctioned.According to S Raghu the MLA for C V Ramanagar, the proposal was made based on the request made by the residents. Only a portion of the playground will be used for the construction of the stadium. He also added that if approved, the project will be completed within 18 months.Currently students from Kairalee Niketan Education Trust use the playground during their free time to play football, cricket and basketball. At the moment a corner of the playground has been used as a dumping ground for stones and slabs.According to M Shariff, the assistant executive engineer for Hoysalanagar, “The debris that has been thrown on the ground is from all the desilting work in progress in the surrounding area.” Intriguingly the MLA said that the debris was from the Metro construction work.While the authorities figure out what debris has been dumped on the ground, student carefully maneuver their sport to avoid getting hurt from the slabs. What adds confusion to the situation is when Shariff was asked about the future plans for the playground. He was clueless and had no idea about what may happen.When questioned about what would happen to the two-decade-old Basketball Club in the vicinity, Raghu said that the property will not be touched. The proposed stadium will comprise both indoor and outdoor basketball facilities.It will also be equipped with a gym, washrooms, dressing rooms and with a cafeteria. Plans of having a basement parking are also in the making. “The stadium will also have a table tennis court. The approximate budget for the stadium is Rs 13 crore. As of now the proposal has been sent to the government for approval,” said S Somashekhar, BBMP chief engineer, East. However, ‘there are no free lunches in life’. The residents will have to pay a nominal fees to utilise the facility informed Somashekhar. Though the BBMP executive engineer for project division, John claims that the stadium will be of international standards, is there a real requirement for another indoor stadium? Of the many indoor stadiums that the city currently boasts of, most are very badly maintained.According to a BBMP official, based on the current plight of the stadiums, Siddaiah the commissioner, had refused most of the proposals that came this year. He further added that the condition of most of the already existing playgrounds was below standard. Speaking of what would become of the playground in Sanjaynagar, Somashekhar said that unlike the stadium planned for Victory Grounds, this playground will have a stadium that will have a multipurpose hall, gym, aerobics room and the essentials like dressing rooms and washrooms.