BMC plans 3 sports grounds for schoolkids ………..Sukhada Tatke I TNN
For the first time, the BMC will be developing three plots with the aim of providing indoor and outdoor sports facilities to municipal schoolchildren. Three grounds—one each in Parel, Mulund and Kandivli—have been identified for the Rs 2-crore development, which is expected to be completed by the beginning of the next academic year.
Acknowledging the need to inculcate the importance of sports in children in their growing years, civic authorities have decided to make budgetary provisions for developing the grounds which are already reserved for sports complexes, for schoolchildren. “We will make an allocation of approximately Rs 2 crore for this purpose. Once these three places are developed, we will extend this facility to other areas in the city,’’ said additional municipal commissioner Madhav Sangle.
The development of the grounds would include the provision of indoor and outdoor sports facilities, both Indian and international. “We want to introduce other sports as well. Cricket, athletics, kho-kho, kabaddi and the like have always been popular. We will also introduce sports like lawn tennis and football that are in demand abroad,’’ said Sangle.
According to civic officials, this is a good move to tap talent early so that skills can be honed by providing children advanced training. “All children will be encouraged to play beyond school hours. Those who are really interested and talented will shine and can be trained further to take part in championships. We will also employ coaches and trainers,’’ said a civic official.
Once the budgetary provision is made, bids will be invited and the proposal will be tabled at a standing committee meeting.
Though many believe this is a good move by the civic body, sceptics say it is a tall order. “Instead of making such lavish plans, the BMC should first concentrate on providing basic facilities in schools,’’ said an activist working closely with municipal schools.