: With Swaraj Maidan, the city’s largest public ground going into the hands of a Chinese corporation which will develop it as ‘City Square,’ resistance seems to be growing to the government’s decision.
But on the positive side, many are of the view that there is a need for developing alternative grounds in the city so that public events are staged.
Non-availability of Swaraj Maidan for annual exhibitions and public meetings for the past two years has already paved the way for new grounds.
Three grounds in the city hosted separate amusement parks and exhibitions simultaneously this summer. The ground opposite Rythu Bazaar in Patamata has been hosting exhibitions and public events for the past couple of years, and the Satavahana College Grounds at Chuttugunta and a private ground in Brindavan Colony were opened for two other exhibitions this summer.
“Exploring new spaces is the need of hour now. Having small and separate grounds in multiple locations helps local people easily access the events and programmes,” said K. Punna Rao, a resident of P&T Colony.
Meanwhile, there is fear of Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation Stadium being misused. The State government has used the cricket ground of the stadium for various government programmes in the last two years. Also, sale of crackers was allowed during last Deepavali, drawing flak from the sports fraternity.
“Even when Swaraj Maidan was available, the government conducted events here, causing a lot of damage to the ground and also the newly-laid running track inside the stadium. The government should ensure that the stadium is not used for events other than sports and games,” said K. Elisha, a cricketer.
In a related development, the authorities are making arrangements at IGMC Stadium to conduct the DSC certificate and appointment order distribution programme of the Chief Minister on Wednesday.
