Dharamsala football stadium to be expanded to meet International standards
The football stadium being developed here under the Smart City project will be expanded. The stadium that has been developed along the Charan rivulet below the Dharamsala international cricket stadium is not as per the international norms for football stadiums. The size of the stadium was not even fit for hosting national-level football tournaments. As such, Commissioner of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation (MC), Zaffar Iqbal, has issued directions to expand the stadium so that it could be used for hosting national and international level football tournaments.
The Commissioner said he had already issued directions for the expansion of the stadium so that it could meet the international standards.
Meanwhile, sources here said questions were being raised regarding the site of the stadium. The stadium was being constructed right on the banks of the Charan rivulet that was prone to flash floods. Many people have alleged that in case of a flash flood, the stadium could be washed away as it was located close to the Charan river. In fact the river has been diverted to construct the stadium. Questions were also being raised regarding the limited seating capacity for spectators in the stadium.
The MC commissioner said adequate measures would be taken for the protection of the stadium from flash floods in the river. A retaining wall along the river had already been constructed. Orders had been issued for the expansion of the stadium on the lower side, where there was enough space available for expansion, he said.
The stadium was earlier proposed at the Zorawar Singh stadium in Dharamsala. However, later the land of Zorawar Singh stadium was allocated for the international convention centre. The place where the stadium was being constructed now was too small for bringing up an international-level football stadium. The football stadium would be built at a cost of Rs 10.50 crore.
