PERNEM
While the State government is setting up infrastructure ahead of the National Games, there are growing demands for development or renovation of playgrounds in Pernem taluka
According to locals, there are playgrounds in Tuem, Chopdem, Morjim and Mandrem, but the villages of Keri, Harmal, Parse and Virnoda does not have any public playground. Besides, the playgrounds at Tuem, Agarwada, Chopde and Morjim do not have proper facilities.
“While the Mandrem playground is being renovated, the Morjim playground also needs attention,” claim locals.
They also pointed out that Rs 37 crore had been spent to develop a sports complex at Sawalwada-Pernem for the National Games, and an indoor stadium was also constructed with the support of then sports minister Babu Ajgaonkar and then panchayats minister Rajendra Arlekar.
The stadium remained without being inaugurated during the Covid pandemic, and it was used as a Covid Care Centre for some time. However, the stadium was never made available for players.
Now, the ground has been to a company on lease for 18 months, claimed the locals.
