Team Herald
PONDA: The Ponda Sports Complex Ground, situated at Curti, has been reduced to a scrap yard, with heaps of debris and overgrown bushes dominating the field. Young cricketers and footballers are left with no other option but to play on this dilapidated ground, where the risk of reptiles lurking in the bushes is ever-present.
Local senior citizen Ram Cuncolienkar, who visits the ground regularly for exercise, expresses his frustration, “I’ve been coming here for ten years, but now, it’s nothing but a disaster. The ground is a dumping site for scrap material and a breeding ground for snakes, scorpions, and dogs. Every time I walk along the track, dogs chase after me. Just recently, a king cobra was caught near the ground. The ground has no grass and is covered in mud, causing dust pollution, which is detrimental to our health.” Not only does this neglected ground pose a health risk to the people, but it also threatens the safety of the youth who play cricket and football here. Social worker Viraj Sapre said, “This is the only ground Pondaitees have for football, cricket, and even walking. The lack of proper maintenance has stripped the ground of its charm. The question arises, is this a ground or a scrapyard? The toilets are in a pitiful state, the urinals are not working, and the gymkhana is also in shambles. The nullah bordering the sports complex is choked with heaps of garbage, and bushes and trees have grown uncontrollably, creating a haven for animals and reptiles.”
The condition of the ground is a matter of grave concern, admitted Sports Minister Govind Gaude, adding that he is aware of its sorry state. “We have been making efforts to renovate and maintain the ground for a long time now. The Goa Waste Management Board has been entrusted with the task of removing the scrap material dumped on the ground, and the renovation work tender has already been floated. However, this ground will only be used for cricket.
The Animal Husbandry Ground near Goa Dairy will be upgraded with new facilities and will be exclusively used for football,” said the Minister.
