By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government has finally sanctioned Rs 5.13 crore for laying of the artificial turf in the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, informed a senior government official here on Wednesday.
“We have sanctioned an amount of Rs 5.13 crore for laying of the artificial turf. A tender has already been floated for the purpose,” the official said.
When asked if the fund sanctioned will also include the building of the flood light complex, the official clarified that the Government is contemplating to seek financial assistance from the NEC for the purpose.
“The fund has benn sanctioned for the laying of the artificial turf only,” he added.
The State Government is targetting the laying of the artificial turf before the start of the I-League in mid-October.
“The Government is committed to taking up this project in such a small time for the sake of the thousands of local football fans who follow the game with great enthusiasm,” the official said.
When asked whether the Government is confident of completing the laying of the turf in such a short of span , the official said that there was still enough time before the I-League commences.
Earlier, the Asian Football Federation (AFC) had given two months’ time to the authorities to improve the ground and other facilities.
The senior official informed that the Government would seek more time from the AFC for improvement of the ground while adding that the facilities required to be put up in the complex would be ready within the stipulated time.
The JNSC does not have in place the infrastructure required for live telecast of matches, facilities for dope test, medical room and separate VIP and press boxes in the stadium. Hence there are a lot of things to be taken care of with little time in hand.
Meanwhile, sources revealed that there is plan to start the laying of the artificial turf in the last week of July.
“If there are no more hiccups, we would be able to start the construction work by the end of July,” sources added.
The latest development will definitely bring some joy to the thousands of local football fans eager to get an opportunity to watch their favourite teams play in the country’s premier football league.