A a brand-new track made of coal ashes, wood dust, and sand is under construction at Gandhi Ground (Maharana Bhupal Stadium) Udaipur. According to reports, the new track will help the athletes and other sports players who often visit the sports ground for training. Prior to this track, an earthen track was created in 1994–1995. The cost of building the track is Rs. 1,80,00,000. The issue: Would it actually help the people/athletes? How many days will they gain from it before the new track get worn out for lack of maintenance? 

District Sports Officer Shakeel Hussain informed that the Budget towards the renovation and new track has been released by the District Collector. According to the planned Budget, in the first phase, the Cricket arena, Football ground, 400 meter track and Bhandari Darshak Mandap will be renovated. In the second phase, Kabaddi, Volleyball and Handball courts will be repaired. The construction work of the track will be completed in 2 to 3 months. 

Coming back to our concern - as we are all aware, Gandhi Ground has long been the site of several events. Although it is a sporting center, a number of other events and activities also happens there. In fact, the ground hosts more non-sporting events than sporting events. Several politicians and big personalities visit Gandhi Ground to address people as well as Gandhi Ground hosts events including music festivals and others that draw large crowds. If the new track is created, will it actually be maintained if such events continue to be held? It has been seen that heavy vehicles, cars, etc run freely on the tracks when there are any events.

The entire ground situation is altered when any festival celebration or event takes place there. Holes are dug all across the ground and tents are erected. The lawn is still not completely maintained; the grass is short and there are some dry places where there is no grass. Lack of water across the entire garden is the cause of this. The problem is again caused by poor ground maintenance, which leads to mud holes during the rainy season. The ground appears to require a complete renovation as well. 

The reports claim that this track will help the 300 to 500 players that visit Gandhi Ground. As they say, action speaks louder than words. Let’s see how long the track will be maintained.