Locked for three years, councillor demands Campal ground opening

The locked gate of Campal Parade Ground and Stadium Complex.

PANAJI
The Campal Parade Ground and Stadium Complex, redeveloped under the Smart City Mission at a cost of around Rs 30 crore, has remained shut for nearly three years despite being fully completed, and city councillor Jack Sukhija on Tuesday demanded that the facility be thrown open immediately for public use.
Addressing the media outside the locked gates, Jack said over 10,000 residents living in the vicinity have been denied access to amenities built with their tax money. “This ground should be made available to the people of Panaji. There is no reason to keep it closed,” he said.
The sprawling 40,000-square-metre complex includes a football pitch, 1,350-seater covered stands, a walking track, a multipurpose lawn, a children’s play area, an outdoor gym and smart parking.
Jack noted that the facilities have been developed to a high standard. “From what I can see, this is one of the better Smart City projects. It is mind-boggling why it is not open,” he said.
The councillor stressed that the location is central and surrounded by residential colonies, making it ideal for community use. He pointed out that senior citizens in nearby areas could benefit from the walking track and other amenities.
“We want this open so that people can get access to these facilities,” he added.
Jack called on the Smart City Mission and the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to act without delay, even as he added that no formal representation had been submitted yet, as his immediate focus is to create public awareness about the continued closure.
Further steps will be taken by bringing a larger representation of Panaji residents on board to support the demand.
The demand highlights growing frustration among residents over the delayed utilisation of completed infrastructure projects, but the Campal Parade Ground and Stadium Complex remains locked and its facilities unused for now.