37 years on, indoor stadium at Nakodar still a dream

An indoor stadium conceived for Nakodar about 37 years back is still incomplete.

The decision to construct an indoor stadium was taken in 1988 and work began on the land opposite the Civil Hospital. Thousands of rupees were spent on the construction, but it could not be completed.

Congress leader late Umrao Singh had laid the foundation stone and the government released a grant of Rs 1.95 lakh on March 8, 1988, for the construction of the stadium. But the money was not spent and the state internal audit department passed strictures against the non-utilization of the funds. The Punjab State Sports Council directed the Nagar Council to refund grants that were not utilized on time.

Residents blame the municipal authorities for failing to provide adequate space for sports, adding that they will make it an issue in the coming civic election.

MC ex-president Aditya Bhatara said then chief Minister PS Badal had sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for completing indoor stadium during his sangat darshan here and estimates had been submitted to the authorities for approval, which are still pending.37 years on, indoor stadium at Nakodar still a dream

pending.

Jalandhar