Tawadkar defends renovation work, says lawn plan dropped due to water shortage
Sports Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar on Monday inaugurated the renovated SAG Shristhal ground in Canacona.
CANACONA
Brushing aside public concerns, Sports Minister and Canacona MLA Ramesh Tawadkar on Monday inaugurated the long-awaited renovated SAG Shristhal ground in Canacona. Addressing the gathering, Tawadkar said the Shristhal ground had been awaiting inauguration after renovation work worth Rs 1.38 crore remained pending for seven years.
It may be recalled that some Canacona residents had objected to the minister’s inauguration plan, alleging substandard work, faulty floodlights, absence of a lawn and incorrect measurements of the running and walking track. After inaugurating the SAG ground, Tawadkar said he wanted the project, which began during his earlier tenure as Sports Minister, to be completed. He added that the work was finally completed using funds from the Tribal Welfare Department.
“It was also decided at that time to put a lawn on this ground, but the plan was later dropped after the borewell did not provide enough water required to maintain the grass. However, apart from the lawn, everything else has been completed. We are also providing a gym at the ground and are constructing a compound wall,” said Tawadkar.
Speaking further, Tawadkar said the Shristhal ground would be used only for cricket and added that a new ground would soon be built at Talpona. He also hit back at criticism over the inauguration of what critics described as an incomplete ground at Shristhal.
“I saw a video posted by some vested interests yesterday. Can those close to the former Deputy Speaker explain why this ground could not be completed during the five years when I was not the MLA? I also want to inform people that the decision not to lay grass on the ground was taken by the department due to technical issues and not by me personally,” said Tawadkar.
Others present on the occasion included Director of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA) Ajay Gaude, Shristhal Sarpanch Sejal Gaonkar and other Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) officials.
