By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government on Wednesday made it clear that it would not extend the deadline for laying of the artificial turf at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex (JNSC).
The Government reaction came following a request by the Hyderabad-based Field Turf company, which is executing the contract for laying of the artificial turf, to give it more time to complete the turf laying process.
The company had sought more time on the ground that they had to wait for their experts from the United States before laying of the turf.
However, Commissioner and Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs department DP Wahlang has made it clear to the firm’s representatives, Amit Agarwal, that there is no question of more delay in the project.
Wahlang made the Government’s stand very clear during an inspection of the JNSC conducted by Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Sports and Youth Affairs Bindo M Lanong and other officials on Wednesday.
Wahlang told the representative that the Government was under tremendous pressure to complete all construction activities by the end of this year.
“We have already made an assurance that the work would be completed within the first week of January. We cannot go back on our commitment,” Wahlang stated.
He also said that the Government was under tremendous pressure from the media who are reporting about the status of work every now and then.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister also said that he would like to see that the work is completed at the earliest.
“The Government would like to the artificial turf to be given as a new year’s gift to the people of the State,” Lanong added.
Majority of the football fans in the State are eagerly awaiting live I-League action at the JNSC following completion of the artificial turf laying work.
