Bengaluru needs at least 10 stadiums: Karnataka High Court

BENGALURU: Observing that 10 stadiums are required for Bengaluru considering the present city’s population, Karnataka High Court on Monday asked the state government to construct at least 2-3 stadiums.The division bench of Acting Chief Justice H G Ramesh and Justice P S Dinesh Kumar gave this suggestion during the hearing of a public interest litigation seeking directions to the Youth Empowerment and Sports Department to allow athletes in Kanteerava Stadium for practice.The division bench said having more number of stadiums is encouraging for sportspersons and also indicates a healthy society.

“One stadium is not enough for the city, which needs 10 stadiums, considering the population. There is urgent need of having at least 2-3 stadiums now. It will reduce the dependency on hospitals. Therefore, the government should think of it. Take note of the court’s observation and convey the same to government,” the division bench asked Additional Advocate General A S Ponnanna. 
The division bench also directed the government to make necessary arrangements for athletes to practise in the Kanteerava Stadium. 

Ponnanna submitted that no athletes were restrained from practising in the stadium and they were allowed to practise in non-competition areas. Former national and international athletic coaches and athletes, including Ashwini Nachappa, moved Karnataka High Court, seeking directions to the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports to cancel its agreement with the JSW Bangalore Football Club Pvt Ltd. 
The petitioners have also sought directions to create a conducive atmosphere in Kanteerava stadium and facilitate athletes to carry out their day-to-day practice smoothly. 

The coaches have also sought directions to the JSW Bangalore Football Club to remove any construction, barricades and other blocks constructed so far and to restore the central area of synthetic track and the Kanteerava stadium field. 

The petitioners alleged that the synthetic track is meant for athletics. However, the authorities of the Youth Empowerment and Sports signed an agreement with JSW Bangalore Football Club to promote the recently held Under-17 football world cup. Expressing the apprehension of occupying the field by the JSW further, they expressed concern over the damage of synthetic track.

No nod to non-aviation activities
The High Court on Monday directed the authorities not to permit non-aviation activities at Jakkur Aerodrome without the permission of the court. Justice A S Bopanna passed this interim order after hearing the petition challenging the permission granted for drag race in Aerodrome by the government. 

Order on STP stayed
Bengaluru: The High Court on Monday stayed the order mandating installation of modular Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and providing dual piping system for the existing apartments with more than 50 flats. Justice AS Bopanna passed the interim order to that effect after hearing the association of 13 apartments, including Krishna Apartment Owners Association on Ali Askar Road in city. The order is only applicable to the petitioners only, the judge said.The order was issued by the government based on the amended regulations which fixed December 31, 2017 as deadline to install STPs. Te apartment owners have to pay additional sanitary charges if they are not installed STPs.