Finally, Sector 42 turf gets official attention

Deepankar Sharda

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 1 

The UT Sports Department has finally taken notice of the poor condition of the synthetic turf field at the Sector 42 hockey stadium here.

The turf, which was replaced in March 2015 after a wait of seven years, was in a shambles due to poor upkeep by the management. Huge dirt patches have emerged at various places of the turf, which made it difficult for the players to sustain balance.

The stadium hosts all the major hockey championships and also houses the region’s famous Chandigarh Hockey Academy (CHA). An official seeking anonymity revealed that the company which provided the turf failed to clean it despite various requests. And the local authorities have now started repairing/cleaning the turf at their own level.

“As per the signed agreement, the company which provided the turf should look after its maintenance for a minimum period of few years. As per the rules, a partial payment is halted for this purpose. But some former officials of the department cleared majority of the payment of this company and now they are at ease to follow this agreement,” alleged the source. 

This delay has caused damage to the new turf and now cleaning the turf with water pressure is the only option left with the authorities.

“The turf is full of dirt but this cleaning will surely provide some relief to the players. Now, we have to maintain its cleanness every week which could make the surface harder. The company professionals have big vacuum machines which work simultaneously with water pressure to clear the turf. They also have special feather brushes to level the area or to repair the area if needed with the help of a roller machine. It takes less time and also maintains the softness of the turf. But having no other option, we are using the water gun to clean a specific area at one time,” said a groundsman. 

Meanwhile, the coaches appointed at the complex refused to comment on the issue. The turf was purchased for Rs 4.2 crore, which included the installation charges.