Speaker calls for collective support to complete works beyond the DPR as preparations gather pace
The Renpo Lu Astro Turf at Ungma, Mokokchung, is about 90 per cent complete, with only finishing works remaining as preparations continue for the Dr T Ao Trophy Silver Jubilee Edition, Nagaland Legislative Assembly Speaker Sharingain Longkumer said on Thursday.
Longkumer made the remarks after inspecting the ongoing construction of the astro turf along with officials from the Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS), the Mokokchung district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma IAS, Various Department heads and contractors.
Speaking to reporters, the Speaker said the project was being executed professionally in phases and expressed satisfaction with the pace of work.
“This is about 90 per cent completed,” he said.
Longkumer said that as the representative of the constituency, he considered it important to monitor the progress of the project and support the organising committee to ensure the successful hosting of the tournament.
“I thought it was only right that I should also do an inspection in support of the organising team, put pressure wherever it is important and intervene whenever required so that the tournament can be hosted properly,” he said.
Responding to concerns over whether the remaining work could be completed within the stipulated timeframe, Longkumer maintained that the project was on track.
Executive Engineer, Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Swedi Kiso, said the remaining work primarily includes internal electrification and civil finishing works.
“Since it is a prefabricated structure, the remaining works include the plinth works and internal electrification,” he said, adding that other civil works such as flooring, wall finishing and plastering are currently underway.
Kiso said the facility will include a green room, players’ dugouts, a rostrum, parking area, amenity centre, galleries and floodlights, all of which are expected to be completed by the end of July.
He added that work on the second phase of the gallery has already begun and is expected to be completed by August.
The Speaker also said discussions during the inspection focused on arrangements for VIP movement during the tournament, with the Superintendent of Police Vesupra Kezo, highlighting the need for a separate exit route. He said the organising committee had been advised accordingly.
Describing the project as a matter of pride, Longkumer appealed for collective support from government departments and the local community to bridge infrastructure gaps beyond the scope of the Detailed Project Report (DPR).
“There will be many shortfalls beyond the scope of the DPR. We are requesting the Power Department, Roads and Bridges, National Highways, Rural Development, Horticulture, Agriculture and others to come forward so that everyone contributes,” he said.
He also appreciated the willingness of the Ungma Tatar to extend support wherever required.
Kiso said the stadium will have a seating capacity of approximately 4,800 spectators. While the approved DPR provides for galleries accommodating about 2,800 spectators, he said the contractor had agreed, in good faith, to construct additional deep bleachers capable of seating around 2,000 more, bringing the total capacity to about 4,800.
He added that the astro turf is being constructed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. As the project is still under execution, the final project cost could not yet be disclosed.
