By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Sports Council (SSC) has clarified that the cricket ground near Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex (JNSC) was constructed at a total cost of Rs 41 lakh during the year 1998-1999.
Besides the cricket ground, the SSC also constructed the VIP Rostrum, dressing rooms and drainage system.
“During 2005-2006, the fencing including provisions of gates was taken up at the cricket ground at a total cost of Rs 19.97 lakh,” SSC said in a clarification issued on Friday.
While referring to the report in The Shillong Times under the caption Delay in State projects lead to time and cost overrun (May 9), the SSC said that it is not factually correct that a huge sum of money have been spent by the Government on the cricket ground.
“So far we have spend only Rs 60 lakh on the cricket ground,” the SSC clarification said.
The Sports Council further said that the cricket ground was allowed to be used by the Meghalaya Cricket Association since 2005.
Earlier, Water Resources Minister AL Hek had questioned on the condition of the cricket ground situated amidst the Polo Sports Complex.
“A lot of money has been spent on the cricket ground but where the cricket ground is in real terms?” Hek had questioned.
He had also added that the government should fix responsibilities on those who are involved as a lot of fund has been pumped into the ground but the cricket ground does not seem to exist.