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Hans India
7 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TG athletes can gain from new sports policy
If Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has his say and goes all-out to implement his ambitious sports agenda, then the State, and its capital city in particular, will boast of world-class sports infrastructure across disciplines in the next couple of years. On the face of it, this is a praiseworthy effort as the bane of the Indian political apparatus has been the insipid promotion of sports, baring a select few. Budgetary allocations for sports have never been inspirational. In fact, the neglect is such that some allocations have been reduced here and there. The ambitiously carved out 32-page sports policy unveiled by Revanth Reddy the other day makes for a wonderful reading as he promises everything under the moon to realise his dream of making the state the hub of international sports. The comprehensive vision lays stress on strengthening governance, boosting infrastructure, and ushering in a breathtaking sports ecosystem that would result in the emergence of medal-winning athletes. There is no doubt that once he goes about the implementation process and enhances budgetary allocations, there would be smiles on the faces of countless sportspersons, coaches and the support staff. Over a period, Telangana can indeed be the envy of the nation going by the manner it brings about the best of infrastructure and sports avenues, including supporting budding talent coming from the poorer strata. Alas, carried away by the moment, Reddy revealed the politician in him when he spoke rather exaggeratedly that Hyderabad would be fit enough to host some Olympic disciplines by 2036. This is too ambitious a remark given that preparing grounds and facilities and putting in place infrastructure of an extraordinary kind for the mega event is no child's play. What the city has, as of now, is not sound enough to host even a fraction of the events that feature in Olympics. He should take cue from his political mentor N Chandrababu Naidu, who, in his effort to provide the best of facilities for the 2002 National Games, came up with the finest stadiums and playing surfaces. Budget was no problem. J Jayalalithaa constructed the magnificent JN stadium in nine months. Can Revanth Reddy emulate these records? The fact is that the stadiums constructed by Naidu like GMC Balayogi athletics stadium, KVBR stadium, tennis complex and the velodrome are all outdated as the wear and tear must have worn them out. They need to be refurbished before the city is good enough to host the National Games two years down the line, towards which Reddy is to approach the Indian Olympic Association. However, realising the herculean task that lies up ahead, the Chief Minister has played his masterstroke-a Public Private Participation (PPP). This will go a long way in helping him realise the dream of nurturing Olympic gold medallists and world champions across disciplines. Adding to this is the smart move to constitute a 14-member Board of Governors to oversee handling of the Telangana Sports Development Fund (TSDF). Featuring some big names from the world of sports and industry, including Kapil Dev, Abhinav Bindra, Pullela Gopichand and Bhaichung Bhutia, it will be headed by industrialist Sanjeev Goenka, which ensures transparent and accountable utilisation of resources that will be raised through the PPP mode. A good beginning has been made as the state was able to sign MoUs with many keen investors and sponsors. This can help promote exchange programmes with other nations and invest in proven international coaches. Hopefully, this will mark the beginning of rewarding days for sportspersons from Telangana.
Hans India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Delay in railway line construction worries Konaseema residents
Amalapuram: The long-standing dream of Konaseema residents to hear the train whistle seems to be delayed further as there is no visible progress in the construction of the Kotipalli-Narasapuram railway line, which has been stagnant for over two-and-a-half decades. Although foundation stones were laid for the project in 2000 in the presence of the then Union Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee and former Lok Sabha Speaker GMC Balayogi, the project has made little progress. While pillars have been completed on the three major Godavari river branches – Gowthami, Vasishta, and Vynatheya – the construction of girders has not yet begun, causing distress among locals. Amalapuram MP Ganti Harish Madhur, who is also the TDP Whip in Parliament, has assured that he is committed to ensuring the project's completion. He said that the railway line, stretching 102.5 km from Kakinada to Narasapuram via Kothapalli, would significantly benefit Konaseema residents by improving transportation and boosting the trade of local products like coconut and fish. The initial project cost was estimated at Rs 2,000 crore in 2000, but the current cost has soared to over Rs 3,000 crore due to delays. While the budget has consistently allocated funds, including Rs 160 crore this year, residents allege that these funds are being diverted to other railway projects. The construction has also been stalled by land acquisition issues, especially between Sanapallilanka and Bhatanavilli in Amalapuram Rural mandal, where local farmers are reluctant to hand over their lands due to the prolonged delays. MP Harish Madhur remains hopeful, stating that he has met the Union Railway Minister multiple times to explain the project's importance. He also promised to complete the railway line in the next four years, dedicating it to the people of Konaseema and fulfilling his late father Balayogi's vision. Despite the slow progress, locals continue to hope for the completion of this long-pending railway project, which they believe will transform the region's connectivity and economy. According to local reports, the total cost of the Kotipalli-Narasapuram railway project is estimated at ₹2,892 crore, out of which the central government has released ₹1,220 crore so far. However, the state government is yet to release its 25% share, which is being cited as one of the primary reasons for the delay. It is come to known that Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has set up special teams to resolve land acquisition issues. Once completed, the Kotipalli-Narasapuram railway line is expected to significantly enhance connectivity in the Konaseema region, linking it with major ports like Kakinada, Machilipatnam, and Visakhapatnam. It will also boost the transportation of agricultural produce, seafood, and industrial goods.
