Kolkata: West Bengal government today
banned cultural programmes, seminars or exhibitions at the
Yuba Bharati Krirangan at Salt Lake and Kshudiram Anusilan
Kendra near Eden Gardens.
"Musical soirees and other cultural programme shows
would not be allowed inside Yuba Bharati Krirangan, to prevent
the artificial turf in the ground being damaged," State Sports
Minister Kanti Ganguly told reporters.
Ganguly, however, said the recent programme by
Oscar-winning music maestro A R Rahman was allowed by his
predecessor Subhas Chakraborty and fees were also deposited
before he took over, and thus he had nothing to do with it.
Saying that he was against allowing sports grounds or
complexes for some other reasons, Ganguly said their
maintenance costs the government about Rs 25 lakh annually.
"We do not want the artificial turf to get damaged and
affect the development of sports," he said.
The minister admitted that an experts committee had
assessed slight damage of the artificial turf. However, steps
are being taken to repair it, he said.
Kshudiram Anusilan Kendra would only be used for
sports purposes from now on and it would never be used for
seminars or exhibitions anymore.
However, there might be some exceptional cases during
events of national interest.
The minister, however, said "there is no ban on Netaji
Indoor Stadium. It can be used for cultural or commercial
purpose."
Bureau Report
First Published: Wednesday, November 18, 2009, 21:42