Another month and Paljor Stadium with flaunt a smart astroturf

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 14 March: Around 70% of the work to lay artificial turf at Paljor Stadium has been completed and the work expected to be completed by mid-April. The laying of Field Turf Outdoor Series of 65 mm thickness has been underway since 01 January at a sanctioned project cost Rs 3.77 crores.
Speaking to NOW! some days back, the Secretary, Sports & Youth Affairs, Karma P Bhutia, mentioned that the work has been underway on a war-footing and was on schedule.

At present, the rolling of aggregates is on the verge of completion.
It is informed that this has been rolled and compacted with slopes towards the eastern and western galleries for rain water outlets and then Silica and rubber granules will be pasted on the top of “sub-grade”.
Mr. Bhutia further informs that the Astroturf has already arrived in Kolkata from USA and has been cleared by the Customs as well. It is expected to arrive in the state by 20 March.
The laying of the artificial turf will take around 15 days, a task which will be overseen by experts and the ground is expected to be completed by 10 April if all proceeds on schedule, the Secretary informs.
He is informed that the department has planned a grand opening with a special exhibition football match.
The Secretary has also invited suggestions and positive criticism from sports lovers across the state to further nurture a culture of sports and develop adequate infrastructure in the state.
The Secretary has already visited Bhaichung Stadium in Namchi with a team of architects to prepare projections to upgrade it into an ultra-modern stadium, the tender for which is expected to be issued in April and the department has set a target of two years to complete the work.
The Secretary also informed that the upgradation of Mangan public ground has already been sanctioned and the DPR to upgrade Kyongsa Ground in Gyalshing submitted to the concerned authority.