MARGAO
The deteriorating condition of the roof sheets and corroded steel fabrication at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, has come under renewed scrutiny after strong winds lashed the city over the past two days, triggering concerns over safety and the need for immediate repairs.
With sections of the ageing roof damaged, fears have been raised that some of the roof sheets could be blown away during the ongoing monsoon if urgent maintenance is not undertaken. The situation has prompted the state government to initiate steps to assess the condition of the stadium and expedite long-pending repair works.
A senior stadium official acknowledged that there are genuine apprehensions regarding the condition of a few roof sheets, admitting that certain sections have deteriorated over time due to prolonged exposure to the elements.
There are concerns that a couple of roof sheets, which are presently in a damaged state, could be dislodged during heavy winds this monsoon. However, the government has already completed the tendering process for the replacement of the roof sheets and the contractor has been shortlisted," the official said.
An official said the repair work has been delayed as the project is still awaiting expenditure sanction from the government. "Once the expenditure sanction is approved, the contractor will be able to commence work immediately. The proposal covers the replacement of all worn-out roof sheets in the remaining three stands of the stadium," he added.
The official further pointed out that the roof sheets over the west stand had already been replaced ahead of the FIFA matches hosted at the stadium a few years ago. The present project is intended to complete the remaining work by replacing the roofing on the other three stands, many portions of which have shown signs of ageing and corrosion.
Apart from the damaged roofing, concerns have also been expressed over the corroded steel fabrication supporting portions of the roof structure, with officials expected to assess whether additional strengthening or replacement of structural components will be necessary.
Responding to the concerns, Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar assured that the government would not compromise on public safety and said an urgent inspection of the stadium would be carried out.
"Our primary concern is to ensure that the roof sheets do not collapse or pose any danger to the public. We will conduct an urgent inspection of the stadium, assess the condition of the structure and take all necessary preventive measures," Tawadkar said.
