Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, along with Deputy Leader of Opposition in Assembly Arvind Bellad, visited the sports complex being constructed at Lohiya Nagar in Hubballi on May 5, 2025.
| Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE
Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi has directed officials to complete in five months all the work pertaining to construction of a sport complex of international standard in Hubballi, in Karnataka, taken up at a cost of ₹180 crore.
On May 5, Pralhad Joshi reviewed the progress of work on the sports complex at Lohiya Nagar in Hubballi. He was accompanied by Mayor Ramanna Badiger, Deputy Mayor Durgamma Bijawad, Deputy Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Arvind Bellad, and Municipal Commissioner Rudresh Ghali.
Speaking to press persons, Mr. Pralhad Joshi said that although Smart City scheme officials had promised to complete the work in the next two months, he had told them to take five months, but complete all the work within that period, without fail.
The Union Minister said that the sports complex of international standard was inspired by the Sports Village in Jharkhand. “However, maintenance of the sports complex is a big challenge. Myself and MLA Arvind Bellad have spoken to various companies on the issue of maintenance of the sports complex. We plan to chose a company that has expertise in training athletes for international events. A company will be finalised soon,” he said.
Mr. Joshi said that the facilities would be provided free of cost to sportspersons from the region who have participated in national and international events. They are also contemplating providing the facilities at a nominal charge for other players.
Mentioning that he was disappointed with implementation of the smart city work in the twin cities that were taken up at a total cost of over ₹900 crore, the Union Minister said he would soon convene a progress review meeting.
“I have expressed my displeasure over various projects under the smart city scheme, including Tolanakere, Mahatma Gandhi Park, Green Mobility Corridor and roads. The apathy of officials of the government of Karnataka, who have the responsibility of executing the work, is the reason for the sorry state of affairs,” he said.
Although March 31 was the deadline for implementation of the work under smart city scheme, several projects require time to be completed, he said adding that they would request the government of Karnataka to continue the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) constituted for the purpose.
Mr. Joshi said that there is a need for around ₹60 crore for construction of a hostel, and recruitment of trainers and coaches for various sports and games. The plan is to request the government of Karnataka to extend financial assistance.
Published – May 05, 2025 05:02 pm IST
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