No move to demolish Ambedkar stadium - UP govt

Lucknow, July 12(UNI) Uttar Pradesh government today clarified that there was no suggestion or recommendation for demolition or closing of the Ambedkar stadium following a security threat.

''Only sports activities have been stopped at the stadium, adjacent to the Ambedkar Memorial for some time and the housing facility being provided to the trainees and employees would also remain suspended temporarily'', said state cabinet secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh.

The issue which came for discussion in the state cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Mayawati today, opined that so far permanent closing of the stadium has not been discussed in any meeting convened in this regard.

Meanwhile, Mr Singh said construction work of an ultra modern stadium in Gomti Nagar extension would start soon while the mini-stadium situated in Vinay Khand of Gomti nagar would be upgraded.

Giving reason for vacating the Ambedkar Stadium, the cabinet was informed that the security agencies on June 8 last had forwarded a report to the government indicating that some anti-social elements could damage the Ambedkar Memorial to disturb the peace and tranqillity of the state.

'' To ensure that such incident was not repeated in the state, it was decided that Dr Ambedkar Memorial was given a foolproof security cover to ensure this entire campus was evacuated for short spell and handed over to the security agencies'', Mr Singh said.

All the sports facilities have been shifted to K D Singh Babu stadium while the employees have given in writing that they have no objection in transfer to the new venue.

Earlier, the division bench of the Allahabad High Court had stayed the evuacation of Ambedkar Stadium till July 19.

UNI