Team Goemkarponn
CANACONA: Residents and local leaders from Shristhal have objected to the proposed inauguration of the Shristhal sports ground, alleging that the facility remains incomplete despite substantial expenditure on the project.
The objections surfaced ahead of a sports tournament reportedly scheduled to be inaugurated by Canacona MLA and Sports Minister Ramesh Tawadkar at the ground.
Canacona Block Youth Congress President Manesh Naik Gaunkar stated that after learning about the planned inauguration, a group comprising local representatives and residents visited the site to inspect the condition of the ground.
The inspection team included Shristhal Deputy Sarpanch Shiva Deshmukh, former Sarpanch Datta Gaonkar, ex-Canacona Municipal Councillor Shubham Komarpant and other local leaders.
According to the residents, several shortcomings were noticed during the inspection. Former councillor Shubham Komarpant claimed that although nearly ₹1.40 crore had reportedly been sanctioned for the project years ago, the infrastructure was still incomplete and below expected standards.
He alleged that the floodlights were in poor condition, the field lacked proper grass coverage, and the walking and running track measurements did not meet prescribed specifications.
The residents questioned the decision to inaugurate the facility despite the alleged deficiencies and expressed dissatisfaction over the quality of work carried out at the site.
Former Sarpanch Datta Gaonkar said the people of Canacona deserve quality sports infrastructure and not incomplete projects presented as development works.
The residents have demanded accountability from the authorities concerned and called for proper maintenance and corrective measures. Some locals also sought a fresh tender process, if necessary, to ensure the ground is completed to standard for the benefit of local youth and future generations.
