Basketball courts constructed not too long ago below metropolis bridges as a part of city sports activities initiatives have discovered few takers given the state of disrepair amid an absence of maintenance and upkeep.
The basketball court docket constructed below the flyover close to Pakhowal highway sans the ring. (Manish/HT)
Courts below the Southern Bypass, close to BRS Nagar, and Pakhowal Street ROB have develop into a supply of frustration for gamers, as broken hoops and poor situations hinder the sport.
Gamers complain that the rings and nets at these courts have been damaged for the previous few occasions, making it troublesome to practise or play matches. Regardless of repeated requests, the municipal company (MC) has didn’t restore the broken gear.
“These courts were a great addition to the city and encouraged sports among the youth,” mentioned Harpreet Singh, a neighborhood participant, however was fast so as to add, “Without proper maintenance, they are no longer usable as the court near Pakhowal road ROB is in filthy condition. The damaged rings and cracked surfaces make playing here unsafe.”
Just lately, two basketball courts have been constructed within the north constituency with a price of ₹15 lakh every however are reeling below neglect of upkeep from the authorities.
Constructed with the goal of utilising unused areas below flyovers and bridges, the basketball courts have been anticipated to advertise health and leisure actions within the metropolis. Nonetheless, the present state of neglect has left many questioning the MC’s dedication to sustaining public sports activities infrastructure.
“Instead of being a hub for young athletes, these courts are becoming an eyesore,” mentioned Aman Kaur, a resident close to BRS Nagar. “The MC needs to act quickly to restore these facilities before they deteriorate further. Additionally someone has stored rouged and filthy clothes in this court and there is no lock on these gates as during night many homeless and drug addicts sleep at the court”.
Regardless of repeated makes an attempt, government engineer Balwinder Singh was not obtainable for feedback.
An MC official not wishing to be named, in the meantime, mentioned, “We are looking for some NGOs or industries of companies to adopt these courts under CSR activities so that they can maintain these courts.”
Sports activities fans and native activists are urging the authorities to conduct common inspections and allocate a price range for the maintenance of such amenities.
“If the MC is serious about promoting sports, they must ensure proper maintenance,” mentioned a sports activities coach within the space. “Simply building courts is not enough; they must also be kept in good condition.” Ramandeep, a resident of BRS Nagar, added.