I-Day parade- in Hubballi faces challenges due to poor venue conditions and inadequate planning

Time of India

5 hours ago

Pic: Uniforms of the school students were covered in mud and slush. Police, NCC cadets, home guards and schoolchildren participated in the 79th Independence Day parade at Nehru Stadium organised by the Hubballi taluk administration on Friday
Hubballi: The 79th Independence Day parade organised by Hubballi city taluk administration at Nehru Stadium here on Friday faced significant challenges due to the condition of the venue.
Recent rains turned the ground into a slushy mess, highlighting its inadequacy for such a significant event. The movement of vehicles across the wet ground, coupled with poor maintenance, worsened the situation, dampening the spirit of the celebration.
Participants, including police officers, home guards, NCC cadets, and hundreds of school children, performed in these less-than-ideal conditions. Their uniforms were quickly covered in mud and slush, making it difficult to maintain the dignity and decorum typically associated with such a national event.
The enthusiasm and zeal that usually accompany the Independence Day celebrations were noticeably affected by the logistical challenges posed by the venue. Despite these setbacks, the participants showed remarkable resilience and commitment. They carried on with their performances, determined to honour the significance of the day.
The event served as a reminder of the need for better planning and infrastructure to ensure that future celebrations can proceed smoothly, regardless of weather conditions.
It also highlighted the need for contingency plans to address unforeseen weather-related challenges, ensuring that the spirit of the celebration is not dampened by logistical issues. Despite the challenges faced, the 79th Independence Day parade was a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of those involved, who managed to celebrate the nation's independence with pride and determination.
Social activist Umesh Dushi stated that Hubballi, a bustling commercial hub, is in dire need of a proper parade ground.
Despite numerous development projects worth hundreds of crores under various schemes, the city lacks a suitable venue for such events. Traditionally, the Nehru Stadium has been the go-to location for celebrating national festivals. However, the quality of work at the stadium has been subpar, leading to significant issues.
Under the Smart City Mission, significant funds were allocated to develop the Nehru Stadium.
Unfortunately, the poor quality of work has left the stadium in a regrettable state, failing to meet the city's needs for a functional parade ground. This situation outlines the necessity for better planning and execution in infrastructure projects to ensure that public funds are utilised effectively and that the community's needs are met.
Mahesh Tenginakai, MLA from Hubballi-Dharwad Central, said that it is very painful to see the poor condition of Nehru Stadium. Despite the govt spending funds in crores, proper planning was not done, which affected today's Independence Day celebration. "Proper planning was not done to make way for water to flow out of the stadium. I will convene a meeting with the officials concerned to direct them to make arrangements for rainwater to flow outside without affecting the ground and also to restrict the entry of heavy vehicles inside the stadium," he added.
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