PANAJI
After years of promising the residents of Panaji a stadium, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Campal stadium after it was demolished in 2004 to make way for parking space for the International Film Festival of India.
Speaking at the laying of the foundation stone, Parrikar said the stadium would be built in 18 months compliant with FIFA standards.
“The stadium facility will be built in 18 months and is in fulfillment of the requirement of such a sporting facility within the precincts of the city. Sports facilities created must be accessible to those who need it the most “ the young and talented in Goa “ for elite development as well as recreation. Stadiums and sports facilities are built for the public, and we hope that these will be used to hone the skills of the youth of Panaji and Goa,” he said.
Elvis Gomes, director of Urban Development and the Member Secretary of the Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) that has taken up the project stated that the stadium would have a seating capacity of 4,500 seats upgradable to an additional 4,000, and is being developed in consultation with Collage Design “ the infrastructure consultants for the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in India next year.
“The design of the marquee venue reflects local architectural influences, recalling a proud past while serving as a bridge to a modern era. Inspiration for the main stadium design came from timeless local architecture and essential icons, from the palm trees to traditional wooden boats,” informed Gomes.
The project that would cost Rs 45 crore will be executed in 6 phases over a period of 18 months, and will convert the existing area, which is currently being used as a waste dump, into a stadium with high mast lighting, dedicated parking and office space.
The facility will also include two player locker rooms, referee locker rooms, dining areas, a gymnasium and medical and doping control rooms with ample circulation space. The sports lighting and controls meet FIFA standards for National and International Event with options for reduced lighting for regular use for practice, added Gomes.
Also lending support to the building of the stadium, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the facility would help as a practice venue for the AFC U-16 and FIFA U-17 tournaments.
“The government had promised that a new stadium would be built, and we are happy to fulfil this promise. With the AFC U-16 Tournament and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, we will have a host of practice grounds and match venues which would be FIFA compliant. This facility in Panaji will complement the existing facilities in the North like the GFA Duler Stadium, and the other stadiums and practice venues being developed in the South of Goa.”
The stadium was taken up as a demand from the Goa Football Association and is being executed through Goa State Urban Development Authority (GSUDA).
Back in 2004, the Campal Stadium was demolished to make way for parking for the first edition of the International Film Festival of India that was held in November 2004. After a public outcry, the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had assured a new stadium that would meet international standards. For years, however, the work had not been taken up.
The laying of the foundation stone was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Francis D’Souza, Panaji MLA Siddharth Kunkolienkar, Panaji Mayor Surendra Furtado and councillors of the Corporation.
D’Souza said, “We have taken care to ensure that the design of the Campal Football Stadium creates an intimate atmosphere that brings spectators close to the action and creates an energetic atmosphere for fans, by presenting an unobstructed view of the proceedings. The stadium provides an opportunity for future expansion on temporary overlay to host larger events.”
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Garbage to be removed from Campal ground
PANAJI
Speaking at the laying of the foundation stone of the Campal football ground on Sunday, Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar said the need to avoid dumping at the site was necessary.
“Avoiding dumping in the site is very important. Garbage is being removed and instead there will be stands be put for parades and other functions that can be attended by the general public,” he said adding that the dependency on temporary structures for functions would also be reduced.
Also sharing his opinion on treatment of the garbage issue, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said problems would be sorted once the solid waste management facility on the Calangute-Saligao slope was made functional.
“Once the Calangute plant is started, it will work out to be a model for treating garbage all over the state. Currently, garbage is not only a health problem but is also an eyesore as well. Once the plant starts, people can see for themselves that the garbage plant need not be a dirty place,” he said.
