Synthetic athletics track in Chandigarh still distant dream

Tribune News Service

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, July 7

While the UT Administration showed keen interest in providing some comfort to joggers by announcing a synthetic turf at the Sukhna Lake’s jogging track, the local athletes are still awaiting to get the city’s first synthetic track for athletics.

The UT Administrator, Banwarilal Purohit, had given in-principle approval to the track at the lake. However, the process of purchasing and installing a synthetic track for athletes is under process and moving only in files.

Sector 7 project in limbo

• Eight-lane synthetic track to be laid
• Financial bid yet to be opened
• ‘Technical issue’ to blame for the delay

Earlier plan failed

• It was decided to prepare 10-lane track at the Sector 46 Sports Complex
• Panel sought to acquire some portion of the adjoining college
• Thereafter, the planning again started in 2017
• After two years, it was decided to build the track at the Sector 7 sports complex

The financial bid for the project (athletics synthetic track) is yet to be opened. It was supposed to be opened last month but the process got delayed due to some technical issue. The process has been underway since January this year. The UT Sports Department claimed they had nothing to do with the process, and passed on the buck to the UT Engineering Department.

“We have nothing to do with this now. The technical bid was already open. We have submitted all requirements to the Engineering Department and they must be on the job now,” said a senior functionary of the Sports Department, seeking anonymity.

Meanwhile, CB Ojha, Chief Engineer, remained unavailable for his comment.

For installing a synthetic track at the lake, the administration claims to have taken approval from both the heritage committee and the Sports Authority of India. However, the administration has been working on the case of providing a synthetic track for athletes in Chandigarh since 2012.

“The administration should understand the need for providing basic facilities. The development should be first done where it is needed. A synthetic turf is necessary to avoid injuries, important to prepare for national championships, helpful in practising during rain and to shape up the career of athletes,” said a local senior athlete, seeking anonymity.

“We are practising on a cinder-grass track and the administration except us to win medals during competitions held on a synthetic track. The nearest track available is in Panchkula,” added another athlete.

Three tracks in city

There are three athletics tracks, out of which two , Sector 7 complex (cinder track) and Sector 46 complex (grass track), are under the administration. The third grass track is on the Panjab University campus. Local athletes usually train at Tau Devi Lal Stadium, Panchkula.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#Sukhna Lake Chandigarh