Spl House Committee to probe revised cost of mega sports complex

Ranchi, Aug 23 (UNI) The Jharkhand government's move seeking to enhance the estimated cost to the tune of Rs 377.78 crore on the mega sports complex for the 34th National Games created acrimony in the House, prompting Speaker Inder Singh Namdhari to refer the matter to Special Assembly Committee.

Sports Minister Sudesh Mahto yesterday said the proposed mega sports complex project for the coming 34th national games, to be hosted by the state was estimated to cost Rs 377.78 crore.

Today, Mr Radha Krishna Kishore (JD-U), from the ruling BJP-led NDA, said the money being spent for the sports complex was more than enough.

Specifically speaking on the provisions made for the project, Mr Kishore said the government was fixing mask lights at the height of 56 inches which was unnecessary adding normally the height in other stadium wwa of 50 inches and this ''little increase'' of six inches would result in extra expense of Rs 12 crore.

Mr Vinod Singh (CPI) said Andhra Pradesh government spent only Rs 150 crore for the construction of mega sports complex for the national games held in 2002.

Mr Ravindra Rai (BJP) also toed the same line.

Continuing his argument, Mr Singh said Rs 500 crore had been pledged by the Centre, TATA would give Rs 250 crore, the state government made an allotment of 200 crore and now the sports department was demanding additional Rs 200 crore taking the total to a tune of Rs 1150 crore.

Earlier, Mr Rai sought to know why the Mecon was not kept in the Advisory Board of the commiittee which was being consulted by the government on the project several times.

Reacting to the Speaker's decision to refer the matter to the Special House Committee, Mr Mahto said over the years, the estimate stood revised with new addition to the mega project like synthetic track, underpass spiral ramp for players and viewers, eight-lane practice track, lift, wide parking area, water body musical fountain, open air amphitheatre and shopping mall.

The Sports Minister told the House that in 2004 the initial cost was projected to be at Rs 206 crore for main stadium, indoor stadium, swimming pool, shooting range and other infrastucture development.

The Minister, also looking after the Home portfolio, justified the hike, saying the cost of material and labourers had gone up.

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