DYES yet to release Rs. 2 crore funds for the project

Kushalnagar (Kodagu): The works on laying synthetic turf at the hockey ground in Sports Hostel located at Kushalnagar has been stopped over the past two years. The sports hostel was established during 1982-83 at the time when D.R. Gundu Rao was the Chief Minister.

It is a known fact that Kodagu is the home for hockey and they are many players who have represented the country at the international level. In an effort to help budding hockey players, the Department Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES)  decided on laying synthetic turf around two years back at a cost of Rs. 3.42 cr at the hockey ground in Kushalnagar. But, the works have stopped as the second instalment of fund has not been released.

The tender for developing the hockey grounds was awarded to a Delhi-based company and the department had released Rs. 1.42 cr. The company has done basic works which includes the construction of the ground measuring 91.4/55 metres, drainage and installing fence and purchasing of synthetic turf from Malaysia.

The department will have to release the second instalment of Rs. 2 cr for the remaining works to be completed.

Speaking to Star of Mysore, DYES Assistant Director Jayalakshmi Bai said that a report regarding the lack of funds and works being stopped had been sent to higher officials.

She also hoped that the funds would be released at the earliest and the works would commence soon.

The Department has to look into the matter at the earliest as the synthetic turf, which is now kept in the open field, might get spoiled for being over exposed to rain and sun.