A member of the SC/ST welfare outfit is locked inside Jaipal Singh Stadium on Friday. (Prashant Mitra)

For once, the capital’s civic guardians practised what it promised.

In an effort to protect the run-down remains of Jaipal Singh Stadium near Kutchery Chowk, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) on Friday barred the fifth foundation day function of an SC/ST welfare outfit at the facility.

Civic officials reasoned that the stadium, which is in need for urgent repairs, could not be rented out for non-sports activities.

The strict measure, however, did not go down well with 35-odd members of the Anusuchit Jati/Anusuchit Janjati Kalyan Sangh who had gathered near the stadium.

Outfit president Mahavir Oraon claimed that they had sought permission for the event a week in advance and was never apprised of any problem.

“In fact, some of our members arrived early to oversee preparations such as setting up of tents. But, when all of us reached around 11am, the stadium gate was locked and our men inside,” Oraon said.

The tribal welfare organisation, which has many government employees as its members, generates awareness among the SC/ST population about various state and central schemes.

They, finally, celebrated the day outside the stadium, with Jharkhand High Court lawyer Ritu Kumar, the chief guest on the occasion, cutting a cake.

Public relations officer of RMC Naresh Sinha reiterated that non-sporting activities would at no cost be allowed at the facility. “I have no information on who the association sought permission from for the programme at the stadium,” he said.

While the ownership of the stadium rested with the Ranchi Regional Development Authority (RRDA), non-sporting activities were liberally allowed. However, the RMC froze that freedom seven months ago even if only in words and not in deeds until Friday.

“The decision has been strictly enforced to protect the stadium, something the welfare association probably did not know,” said Sinha.

Built in 1978, the nine-acre stadium complex has been languishing in neglect for some three decades, scooped boundary wall, a littered playground and a run-down administrative building being some of its salient features.

A proposed mini sports complex with central funds is now the only hope for the stadium named after hockey legend Jaipal Singh Munda.