Locals urge govt to open Kalinga Stadium for morning walkers

BHUBANESWAR: Locals of Behera Sahi and Nuasahi of Nayapalli area on Sunday urged the state government to open the Kalinga Stadium here for morning walkers. They staged silent dharna in front of the Gate-3 of the stadium protesting the government order prohibiting entry of morning walkers.

Official sources said the stadium was closed since November 16 for Men's Hockey World League. "The league ended on December 10, but the gates are yet to be opened for the morning walkers. We are facing a lot of problem to continue our morning walk and exercises," said Milan Kumar Paikray, secretary of Nuasahi Mahabir Social Organisation.

He said one Damburudhar Behera, 55, of his locality died on the spot after a taxi hit him from his behind on January 22 near Kalinga Stadium. Two others had sustained injuries in the accident. "It all happened due to the arrogance of the sports department. People walked outside of the stadium in the morning when the department did not allow them to enter," he added.

Paikray said they will submit memorandum to sports minister Chandrasarathi Behera and chief minister Naveen Patnaik to allow the locals to use the stadium during morning and evening time. "If they do not allow us, we will hit the street in future," said the protesters.

Barija Ranjan Mohanty, in-charge of stadium, said the state government has issued an order to close the stadium gates for indefinite period. "We are just following the government order," he added.

Manoj Kumar Padhy, joint secretary of sports department, said the government has started renovation work of the stadium for upcoming Men's Hockey World Cup-2018. The event is scheduled to be held between November 28 and December 16. "We are constructing internal roads and other several new things for the grand event. So we have put restriction on entry of public," he added.