Pradhikaran residents demand immediate revamp of Madanlal Dhingra ground
Akash Dhanurkar
Despite raising the issue with the municipal body has turned a blind eye towards the maintenance of the sports ground as the soil used in the ground has started to loosen hurting many sportsmen previously.
Madanlal Dhingra Ground is one of the sports complexes in PCMC which has daily access to all the sports players – especially football players but they have been falling prey to several injuries due to ill maintenance of the ground. The residents of sector 25 have complained about the ground falling into disrepair for the last three years.
The layer of the ground is covered with Regur soil (Black soil) as confirmed by the opposition leader and corporator of the area. The soil has caused immense problems to the sport players and daily visitors for jogging and running.
Vilas Kute, one of the social workers and activist from the area reached out to Pune Pulse and complained about the ground. He said, “I have been a witness to many football players suffering from injuries due to the low maintenance and black soil on the ground. The black soil does not support running on it. These facilities are meant for the citizens and it is civic bodies duty to maintain it.
On talking to Rahul Kad, a professional football player running a football academy on Dhingra ground, who also scouts football players for Indian Football team, expressed his concern. He said, “We feel sad that we have to tell the authorities that it is a sanctioned football ground yet the goal post is removed. The black soil has literally stopped me from running my football academy. The contractor just dumped the soil that is used for farming.”
Considering the complaints, Pune Pulse reached out to the opposition leader and the area corporator, Raju Misal said, “I am aware of the black soil causing problems to the regular visitors and the sports players. Every time, I organize a cricket tournament on this ground, I cover the layer with the soil that supports running.”
On being asked about why did he not take action even when he was aware of the poor condition of the ground he said, “People did not approach me regarding this issue. Now when people have approached me with a special issue, I will take up a meeting with the commissioner of the city.”
Further escalating the citizens’ complaints to the PCMC official Sandip Khot, he denied the poor condition of the ground, sounding contradictory to the citizens and the opposition leader. He said that “The ground is well maintained. In fact, I have visited the grounds a number of times for inspection and found it good after grass cutting. However, I will again try to inspect the ground.”
