First phase redevelopment work of Karna Stadium ‘stalled’, final notice served on agency

Karnal Smart City Ltd (KSCL), an agency looking after the Karnal Smart City project, has served final notice on the agency, which was assigned the first phase redevelopment work of Karna Stadium, for allegedly stalling the work which has resulted in delay in project completion. The authorities have directed the agency to expedite the work immediately and failure to do so will result in heavy penalties. As per sources, the project has seen no progress in the past three months.

The Deputy Commissioner-cum-CEO, KSCL, Uttam Singh, recently reviewed the progress of all ongoing projects. After observing a delay in the completion of work of the first phase of redevelopment of Karna Stadium, Singh directed officials to issue a final notice to the contractor.

“We have issued a notice to the agency for resuming and completing the work at the earliest, otherwise action will be taken against the agency as per the MoU. Penalties can also be imposed on the agency,” said Ramphal, GM, KSCL.

Karna Stadium, the city's only sports complex, has been undergoing a major redevelopment by the KSCL with an aim to enhance the sports infrastructure in the city, promising better facilities for athletes and sports lovers alike.

The first phase of the redevelopment project includes the construction of four tennis courts on ground, which was earlier used for hockey, alongside a spectator gallery in the north direction with a capacity for around 250 people. Two hostel blocks with separate entries and exits and a dining hall on the east side of the courts was planned. These hostel blocks are nearly complete, with the male hostel accommodating 90 players and the female hostel accommodating 45 players. The estimated cost of the first phase projects is Rs 23.95 crore. In the second phase, a four-storey building is being constructed for a fencing hall, a gymnastics hall and other sports facilities, with a budget of Rs 12.59 crore.

The deadline of the work in the first phase was May end, but still lots of work is pending. The work on four tennis courts has been stalled for the past five to six months. The gallery is yet to be built, delaying the laying of the synthetic court surface. The work on the multi-purpose hall and climbing wall is also incomplete.

The delay in completion of work has led to resentment among the tennis enthusiasts, who are waiting for the facilities to start. The existing single tennis court is insufficient for larger number of players and the delay in completing the new facilities has dashed the hopes of the tennis lovers. Local tennis players have expressed their anger.

“The agency should complete the work at the earliest as the existing single court is not sufficient to cater to the need of the players,” said Raman, a player.

Uttam Singh is optimistic about resuming the work and completing it at the earliest. “The agency has been warned to resume the work, otherwise strict action will be taken,” said the DC.