Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrak K Sangma laid the foundation for the construction of the Mini Stadium at Bakennang Nalsa, Bajengdoba, North Garo Hills District on Thursday and announced that Rs 100 crore would be spent for sports facilities in the State during the current fiscal.
“To improve sports facilities across the State, the Government of Meghalaya has earmarked Rs. 100 crore for the year 2020-21, out of which, Rs. 3 crore was sanctioned for Bajengdoba,” he said.
Funded through the State Plan Scheme at a cost of Rs. 3,01,85,000, the Bakennang Nalsa Mini Stadium will be upgraded with AIFF/FIFA certified football turf, VIP, and spectator seating galleries, modern change room facilities, media centre, office spaces, parking areas, and commercial spaces.
“The development of an outdoor football stadium in the area with a dearth of sports infrastructure will create a pathway for the youth and the citizens of the region to partake in sports and physical activities,” Sangma said.
Regarding the development in the road sector, he said, “The Government has enhanced the budget for road construction across Meghalaya. Compared to 2013-18, from Rs. 700 crores, the MDA (Meghalaya Democratic Alliance ) government has sanctioned about Rs 1800 crore for road construction in the past three years”.
The Chief Minister also declared that the Bajengdoba Mini Stadium will be renamed to the ‘Hamilton Stadium’ in memory of Late Hamilton Momin’s contribution to music in Garo Hills. Wife of Late Momin thanked the chief minister for dedicating the new stadium in her husband’s name.
He also announced that the new Stadium will be “positively constructed and completed” by December, 2022.
