Kakinada: JNTU Vice Chancellor exits, stadium plan in trouble

Kakinada: There is no headway in completion of the multi-purpose complex and gravel playing arena at the Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK) stadium.

The work has been stopped half way through. Now, the ground is filled with bushes and water logged. The multi-purpose gravel  playing arena with adequate lighting, fencing and drainage facilities to attract national and international sportsmen was to be built at a cost of Rs1.39 crores.

Work had begun for construction of synthetic basketball and tennis courts, 400 mts standard gravel track and 60 mts and 40mts of multipurpose playing arena with flood lighting.

The university officials had decided to make it a sports hub to conduct national and international sports meets. However after completion of the tenure of the then Vice-Chancellor G. Tulsi Ramdas, the work has been stuck without completion of the project.

Students have lost an opportunity to utilise world class  infrastructure. “If the project is completed, JNTUK  would be among universities in the country having a modern indoor stadium, ten- lane athletic track, synthetic courts, multipurpose playing arenas and other facilities in one place,” said, an official of the university.

The Vice-Chancellor said that due to lack of proper infrastructure facilities, except one or two, no university tournaments were conducted in JNTUK for the past two years.

During the 12th plan, the University Grants Commission has invited proposals for development of sports infrastructure and equipment in universities and colleges in which most of the universities of Andhra Pradesh got crores of funds, but, JNTUK  could only get a meagre amount of Rs 12 lakhs.
Sources said that till now, these funds have not been spent for development activities.

Meanwhile, unless, the university submits its utilisation certificates, the UGC can't give further funds for it. JNTUK Vice-Chancellor, V.S.S. Kumar said that a review of the sports department would be done and necessary steps taken for improving infrastructure facilities.