Steeplechase pit installed on synthetic track

By Paritosh Pramanik
24-8-2017

AFTER months of delay, the much-awaited steeplechase pit was finally added to the newly-constructed synthetic track at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur. The work for synthetic track was completed a few months ago but there was no provision of steeplechase which had irked several athletic administrators as well as athletes.
Since the beginning, Deputy Director of Sports Subhash Rewatkar has been saying that steeplechase pit was in the plan and would be added after completion of the track work.
A couple of months ago the steeplechase pit, along with shot put, long jump and triple jump pits, have been constructed at the stadium. “This brings an end to the work as far as synthetic track is concerned. This will be the first venue all over Maharashtra where two shot put pits as well as two long jump/triple jump pits have been constructed. No other venue in the entire state has provision of two pits,” Rewatkar told ‘The Hitavada’. However, there would be no synthetic track warm-up area. Either a lawn or chat field, which is by the synthetic track, will be used for warm up.
FUNDS EXHAUSTED
Rewatkar said that the entire fund had been exhausted. “We have utilised entire Rs 19 crore on this project. But the work of pavilion building, electricity is still pending. We have demanded another Rs 10 crore. Around Rs 4-5 crore will be utilised for completion of pavilion building and electricity works,” said Rewatkar. He added that the Divisional Commissioner’s office has asked for more funds from the State Government.
NO GALLERIES
With no funds, the proposal of construction of galleries around the synthetic track, too, has to be postponed. Hundreds of tree saplings have been planted near the boundary wall of the synthetic track to provide shade to the spectators.
“Right now we don’t have funds. So, the proposal of construction of galleries, at present, has been put off. Right now we have planted several tree saplings which will help in maintaining greenery around the area. It will also provide shelter to spectators during events,” reasoned Rewatkar.
This means that the under-construction office cum pavilion building can accommodate only 500 spectators in the stands.
INAUGURATION AWAITED
The synthetic track is ready for competitions and authorities are awaiting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’ time to inaugurate the track. At present students of Krida Prabodhini are using the track for practicing.