Pay to walk: Rs 2,500 fee sparks row at Mithapur stadium

Anyone who wants to walk in mornings or evenings at Shaheed Darshan Singh Kaypee Stadium at Mithapur will have to dole out Rs 2,500 per person per annum from July 1.

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This has led to a huge confrontation between residents of the area, who are habitual morning walkers, and the club that maintains the stadium.

The stadium has recently undergone a massive renovation, including laying of the astroturf, new walking path, benches to sit and a new boundary wall using, Smart City funds. But no funds are coming for the maintenance from the Municipal Corporation that owns the property.

The Youth Sports Club, Mithapur, that maintains the stadium has decided that since they need to maintain the facility by ensuring watering of the turf from time to time and employing gardeners and security guard, they need to have some financial support from the locals too.

"We have to bear a monthly expenditure of Rs 1 lakh, including a huge power bill to run water motor, etc", said members.

The members have put up a signage that reads that the morning walkers shall be issued passes. Those paying Rs 2,500 shall get an annual pass, Rs 1,500 for half-yearly pass and Rs 1,000 for a quarterly pass.

Surjit Kaur, a morning walker, said, "I and my husband have a routine to take 4-5 rounds of the stadium daily after which we sit, do yoga and spend sometime with friends. Our kids come to the park every evening. If four of us have to use the facility now, we shall have to end up spending Rs 10,000. This is not conducive. This is the reason we have been fighting on the issue".

Balwinder, a hockey coach and resident of the area, said, "Even though the decision of taking the charges has been taken by the club committee, I am in favour of it. This stadium can be maintained only with the support of the users. A person shall have to dole out just Rs 200 a month for availing the facility, which is not much. I justify the decision of the club".

The club members have pointed to several other government bodies like Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, seeking Rs 2,500 per annum from walkers and cyclists to get the pass issued.

The morning walkers have also approached Mayor Vaneet Dhir. He has said, "The stadium is our property. We cannot allow any club members to levy any charges as per their whims and fancies. They need to approach us with difficulties they are facing. They need to sit with our officers and discuss the matter instead of taking a decision themselves."