COVID-19 delays laying of RTMNU’s synthetic track

By Paritosh Pramanik

IN NORMAL circumstances Nagpur athletes by now would have had two synthetic tracks to train in the city. 
But the deadly coronavirus pandemic has changed the entire scenario. The nation-wide lockdown imposed to break the chain of spreading of virus in March had halted all sporting activities around the world.
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University would have had its own synthetic track by now but due COVID-19 pandemic, it seems that it would take another year, or even more.
At present there is one synthetic track at Divisional Sports Complex in Mankapur.
The task of laying the synthetic track at RTMNU’s sports complex, beside Law College, has been assigned to Public Works Department (PWD). After floating tenders pre-bid meetings were also held between the concerned departments of RTMNU and PWD. But due to lockdown, all plans have gone haywire. 
This is for the second time that the work of laying synthetic track has been delayed. 
Earlier, it was delayed due to model code of conduct imposed in the country last year due to general elections.
“The coronavirus has changed the entire scenario. Had the situation been normal, we would have almost completed the laying of synthetic track. But it’s not in our hand,” lamented Dr Sharad Suryawanshi, Director, Department of Physical Education and Sports, RTMNU.
“This is a very peculiar situation. We are waiting for the work to start since last year. We have also deposited Rs 8 crore to PWD. Pre-bids meetings were also held with them. But COVID-19 has put brakes on the developmental works,” Dr Suryawanshi told ‘The Hitavada’.
“Still we are in contact with PWD. We are taking follow-up atleast once in two weeks. It’s up to them to start the work,” said Dr Suryawanshi, who is also a former international athlete. The trac would have eight lanes instead of 10 due to paucity of space. 
“We will also be constructing two long jump pits at two corners of the area. Similarly, two high mast poles will also be added to the present six towers. We have observed that at curves there is less light. Hence we decided to add two more towers,” said Suryawanshi.
Once the work starts, it won’t take much time to lay the synthetic track as the base is already there. “With the present cinder track, we won’t require much of levelling. The base is already ready. This will definitely save our money and time as well. Even the drainage facility is also in place,” informed Dr Suryawanshi, who is also Secretary of Nagpur District Athletics Association.
To save the track from mud which would seep in from football ground, RTMNU has decided to replace lawn turf with artificial grass.
“We don’t want to get the track damaged due to mud of football field. We will be replacing the lawn ground with artificial grass,” added Dr Suryawanshi.
The synthetic track will also be protected with chain-fence.
“It is important that the track is protected from spectators as well as from stray cattle, dogs. We will be constructing chain-fencing around the track. This will stop spectators enchroaching the finish line and disturbing the runners,” said Dr Suryawanshi.