IPL match, NEET exam dates clash

Dharamsala is set to host two major events on May 4, an Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants and the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), a crucial medical entrance examination for thousands of students. This overlap has raised concerns about noise, traffic and overall management in the city, especially near the international cricket stadium.

NEET examination is scheduled to be conducted at three centres in Dharamsala at Post Graduate Government College, Government Boys School and B Ed College in which over 1,600 candidates are expected to appear and all these are located within 100 metres of the cricket stadium.

Candidates are required to report by 11 am with the examination scheduled from 2 pm to 5 pm. However, crowd build-up for the IPL match, which begins at 7:30 pm, generally picks up post noon as the gates are likely to open at around 3 pm to 4 pm. The potential for disruption due to crowd noise and congestion during exam hours has become a serious concern for both students and parents.

Hitesh Lakhanpal, ASP Kangra, said a detailed traffic and crowd control plan has been chalked out. Government Senior Secondary School, which used to be the media parking, has been replaced and the entry point for M-3 has been relocated in way that will cause least disturbance to those appearing in NEET examination. The HPCA has been directed to delay stadium gate openings until after 5:30 pm, post-exam, to reduce noise and congestion during crucial exam hours.

An estimated 5,000 persons, including NEET candidates, their parents and guardians and staff, are expected to converge near the exam centres just outside the cricket stadium. At almost the same time, around 30,000 spectators are expected to reach the area to watch the match at a stadium with a capacity of 23,000. This raises the risk of heavy traffic congestion and confusion around entry points as in the past these premises, now the examination centres, catered to the cricket lovers and their vehicles.