The Government of Nagaland may hand over the long-delayed Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex (MDSC) in Dimapur to the Sports Authority of India as the state faces a funding gap in completing the project.
The proposal was discussed in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly on March 12 after MLA Nuklutoshi raised a starred question seeking details on the total funds received and the reasons for the delay in completing the complex.
Replying to the query, Minister for Rural Development and SIRD, Metsubo Jamir informed the House that a total of Rs 140 crore has been received so far for the construction of the sports complex.
He said Rs 43 crore was received from the Planning Commission between 2006–2007 and 2010–2011. However, no further funding was received after the transition to the NITI Aayog. The State Government later provided Rs 97 crore over the years, taking the total funds received for the project to Rs 140 crore.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed the Assembly that the estimated cost required to complete the project now stands at around Rs 267 crore, including GST and other expenses. With Rs 140 crore already received for the project, this leaves a funding gap of about Rs 127 crore.
The figures indicate a significant funding gap. While Rs 140 crore has already been received for the project, more than Rs 120 crore is still required to complete the stadium and related infrastructure.
Rio said the project has been delayed due to limited financial resources and the phased release of funds over the years.
To address the funding and completion challenges, the state government is exploring the option of handing over the sports complex to the Sports Authority of India.
Rio informed the Assembly that the process of handing over the facility is currently underway. According to him, a second survey of the complex has already been conducted, and the remaining step is the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government and SAI.
The agreement will be signed by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports with the SAI regional directorate.
Once handed over, SAI is expected to assist in completing the remaining construction work and ensure full utilisation of the facility. Rio said the national sports body could also deploy professional coaches and establish training centres in different sports disciplines.
He also noted that since the stadium is designed with a seating capacity of around 30,000, at least three entry points would be required to ensure proper access and crowd management.