Proposed indoor stadium at Paddal sparks controversy in Mandi

Tribune News Service

Mandi, August 20

The proposal to establish an indoor stadium at Paddal ground, the only major sports venue in Mandi district, has triggered significant controversy. The Paddal ground, which hosts various sports activities and the internationally-renowned Shivaratri fair, is facing opposition from Sarv Devta Seva Samiti and the locals.

A few days ago, the BJP MLA from Mandi Sadar, Anil Sharma, submitted a proposal to establish an indoor stadium at the Paddal ground, which enraged the samiti and residents of the town.

OP Kapoor, president of the Mandi Citizens Council , has raised concerns about the proposal in a letter addressed to the Mandi Deputy Commissioner. Kapoor highlighted that the ground serves as a vital location for both sports events and the annual Shivaratri fair, making it unsuitable for additional permanent structures like an indoor stadium. He pointed out that if an indoor stadium was constructed at Paddal, there would be no alternative space for recreational activities, which are typically held at this site.

Kapoor also referenced the objections raised by the samiti, which has previously expressed concerns about the lack of space for religious events. The samiti has been vocal about their opposition to further construction that could encroach on the existing space used for sports and cultural events.

In addition, Kapoor criticised the construction activities at Mandi’s Government Vallabh College, alleging that the construction was carried out without proper planning, exacerbating the problem. He urged the DC to reconsider the location for the proposed indoor stadium and suggested alternative sites, such as Raghunath Ka Padhar, which he believes would be more appropriate due to ample space.

Similarly, Sarv Devta Seva Samiti members expressed strong opposition to the proposal, stating that the ground has been the venue for the Shivaratri fair since Mandi was a princely state.

They highlighted that administrative building constructed in 2021 had already disrupted the spaces where deities used to be seated and previous requests to allocate adequate space for the deities had not been addressed satisfactorily.

Samiti president Shivpal Sharma stressed that the cultural and religious practices associated with the deities in Himachal Pradesh had always been preserved without disruption. He urged the government and administration to identify an alternative location for the proposed indoor stadium and to ensure that proper seating arrangements for the deities are made before the upcoming Shivaratri fair.

The samiti also warned that if their concerns were not addressed, they may file a public interest litigation in the court. Their goal is to preserve the cultural heritage and ensure that traditional practices continue unimpeded.

The debate over the indoor stadium reflects broader concerns about balancing development with preserving cultural and recreational spaces in Mandi.