Editor,
I wish to draw the personal attention of our Sports Minister, Banteidor Lyngdoh, with a request to make public the statement relating to development of Sports infrastructure in Tura as preparation for upcoming National games in the State. It may be stated that the Tura Sports Association, the premier Sports body of Tura has submitted one representation on April 30, 2018, to the Sports Minister, listing a number of pending projects to be taken up on priority basis. Sadly, there has been no response from the Hon’ble Minister till date. There was reported news of his visit to Tura in the first week of July, 2018 and several times thereafter, but he has not taken any interest to make spot visits to the proposed sites nor to discuss the matter with the members of the Sports Association.
The apathy of the Sports Department towards development of sports in Tura is well known. It is evident from the fact that not a single stadium has been constructed by the Sports department in the last forty years. The construction of Sports Complex at Alotgre in the late sixties has been totally abandoned and no Government has ever dreamt of its restoration or completion. The PA Sangma Stadium, the only mini-stadium at Dakopgre is the only saving grace for sports lovers of Tura town. This was constructed at the initiative of the eminent leader (Late) PA Sangma, in his individual capacity from the MPLAD scheme. Had it not been for his foresight Tura would have been the only place in the entire North-East sans a football stadium till date. Unfortunately, even this small stadium is mainly used for all sorts of public events throughout the year rather than games and sporting activities. The former Sports Minister, while visiting the stadium in 2016, had assured that a substantial amount had been earmarked for upgradation of this stadium, of which Rs 3 crore only had been sanctioned. We want this case to be expedited with placement of artificial turf.
The insensitive and unilateral decision of the State Government to take over the Youth Hostel at Alotgre Sports Complex in Tura to accommodate the militant surrenderees for six years without consultation with stakeholders like T.S.A. and local residents, had caused a major setback in promotion of games and sports in Tura. By the time the occupants vacated the hostel in 2012, the building was left in a dilapidated condition and no one has taken responsibility for its renovation.
During the budget session of 2017, the Government had announced financial clearance of Rs 40 crores from Central Pool of Resources (Non lapsable fund) for construction of a new stadium at Tura and another Rs 40 crores for Ampati Stadium. This was stated by none other than the former Sports Minister Zenith M. Sangma and reiterated by then Chief Minister Dr. Mukul M. Sangma in the House. It is learnt that construction work at Ampati is nearing completion whereas the Rs 40 crores for Tura Stadium is lying unutilized even now. The question is: what is the reason for keeping the amount for two years in cold storage? When and how is the money going to be utilized? The sports loving public of Tura want a clear cut reply from the Sports Minister to allay any suspicion of misutilization of funds by diverting to some other project. In this present scenario, the personal opinion of Dr. Mukul Sangma would have been of much help since it was during his regime that the said amount of Rs 40 crore was allotted for Tura Stadium and the surrenderees got dumped in the Youth Hostel as well in 2005-06.
Under the above circumstances, the present Sports Minister is requested to enlighten us about the mysterious disappearance of Rs 40 crore meant for construction of a new stadium at Tura, in the interest of sports lovers of Tura town. Lastly, the two local representatives (VIPs) are also requested to look into the matter by pursuing this important case with the Sports Minister without delay.
Yours etc.,
Rozario M. Sangma
Tura
MPPS School and traffic jam
Editor,
The stretch from Mawroh junction to MPRO quarters is always caught in a traffic snarl during school hours and this causes immense difficulty to the commuters along this route especially the residents of Mawroh and beyond. The problem arises because of haphazard parking and insensitivity of the drivers parking their vehicles to drop or pick up their wards. The road width is not a problem but the problem is with the irresponsible parking. Moreover, the Police school bus is also parked right at the school gate and the time taken for dropping and picking up the students is an added problem. This is not to criticise the school but only to request the authorities to regulate traffic and ease the ongoing problem. Necessary instructions should be given to parents and quardians to properly park their cars to avoid this current situation.
Yours etc,
R N Rymbai,
Shillong – 8