Shillong, Jun 13: In a surprise visit to assess sports infrastructure in South West Garo Hills, Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shakliar Warjri (pictured third right) inspected the under-construction Nagrasket Football Turf and International Stadium at Ampati yesterday.
The minister was accompanied by SWGH Additional Deputy Commissioner Dolrich BG Momin, District Sports Officer Saljagring M Marak, State Sports Council of Meghalaya Assistant Engineer and other district officials.
During the visit to the Nagrasket turf, Warjri took note of the deteriorating condition of the artificial football turf and directed the SSCM engineer to initiate immediate renovation work. He instructed that the upgraded turf must be handed over promptly to the DSO and the football association of Ampati for effective management and public use, a press release stated.
At the international stadium site, Warjri expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing works. He instructed the SSCM to review the current construction activities and ensure that the remaining work is carried out under strict supervision to maintain standards and timelines.
Last month Leader of the Opposition Dr Mukul Sangma had accused the state government of abandoning construction of the international-level stadium, which had been initiated while he was Chief Minister.
Dr Mukul was, at the time, MLA of Ampati (a seat now held by his daughter). Reasonable questions have been raised over why a rural backwater like Ampati is the appropriate site for such a project when grassroots sports infrastructure would appear to be more of a necessity given the district’s consistent under performance in sports in general.
Nevertheless, the project has not been formally abandoned by the current government, led by Conrad K Sangma. However, Dr Mukul accused the CM of sidelining Ampati in favour of the new sports complex in Tura, which is controlled by Conrad’s National People’s Party.
(Photo contributed)
