The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is forging ahead with its ambitious plan to construct an international cricket stadium in the rapidly developing suburb of Moshi. The project, aimed at bolstering the area’s sports infrastructure, has gained traction as the civic administration recently appointed a consultant for the endeavor. With an estimated budget of Rs 400 crore, the proposed stadium has become a subject of contention, with the Shiv Sena (UBT) urging the focus to be shifted towards enhancing civic amenities.
Municipal Commissioner Shekhar Singh, in response to the criticism, stated, “We have engaged a consultant to provide guidance on establishing the cricket stadium. This decision was made last week.” While the PCMC envisions building an international standard stadium, it is also exploring the possibility of developing a comprehensive sports facility to cater to the growing needs of the community.
Singh emphasized that the preliminary investigation aims to determine the optimal approach. “In rapidly developing areas like Moshi, Charholi, Chikhali, Poonawale, Ravet, and Kiwale, there is a dearth of sports facilities. Moshi, which is rapidly evolving into a parallel city with the presence of an international convention center and Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital, requires well-equipped sports facilities,” he explained.
However, Singh clarified that the final decision regarding the stadium’s scale and nature is yet to be made. “Permission from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is necessary for an international stadium. We have not yet decided whether it should be an international stadium, a smaller venue, or a club stadium,” he added.
In addition to cricket, the municipal commissioner revealed that the PCMC is contemplating the development of Moshi as a Center of Excellence, catering to various sports such as tennis, badminton, and swimming. Singh also highlighted the area’s advantageous road connectivity, stating, “We are constructing a 90-meter road that will directly connect to the Pune Metro services. Furthermore, Moshi boasts wider roads and better connectivity compared to other parts of the city. The relocation of the Regional Transport Office has alleviated the traffic congestion that was prevalent in the previous location.”
On the other hand, the Sena (UBT) has criticized the PCMC’s focus on allocating Rs 400 crore for a stadium instead of prioritizing the improvement of civic amenities. A delegation from the Sena recently met with the municipal commissioner, submitting a memorandum urging the abandonment of the stadium plan. Sachin Bhosale, the Sena city chief, voiced his concerns, stating, “The civic administration should concentrate on ensuring better roads, addressing the garbage problem, and providing consistent water supply. The PCMC has struggled to deliver regular water supply to its citizens for years. It should carefully reconsider allocating Rs 400 crore for a stadium. The commissioner should clarify whether this decision is influenced by any political party. If the administration does not scrap the appointment of the consultant and the stadium plan, the Sena will be compelled to launch an agitation.”
As the debate ensues, the PCMC faces the challenge of striking a balance between developing essential civic amenities and fulfilling the aspirations of sports enthusiasts in the region. The outcome will have a significant impact on the future of Moshi’s growth and the overall well-being of its residents.
