Bhubaneswar: The hockey stadium in Kalinga Sports Complex will get state-of-the-art fire-fighting measures before the hockey World Cup scheduled to he held there in November this year. Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (Idco) has allocated Rs 2.17 crore to develop a fire-fighting-and-alarm system for the stadium that is being renovated.

A source in Idco said that the fire-fighting measures would include automatic fire detection system, hose reels and portable fire extinguishers. "The stadium's fire-fighting features have become defunct due to the ongoing construction. So, we have decided to completely overhaul the fire-fighting system as the tournament will be the biggest sports event in the state's history," said a senior sports department official.

The stadium has adequate entry and exit points, it is also equipped with a sump for water supply during emergency. The state government also deploys fire personnel and fire tenders during major tournaments there.

"Thousands of foreigners are expected to support the participating countries. Fire-fighting measure is a must for the safety of spectators, players and match officials," said another official.

The stadium had earlier hosted Champions Trophy in 2014 and Men's Hockey World League Final in December last year.

The construction for the mega event is on the verge of completion with relaying of new turf undergoing. The construction of two additional stands in the stadium is almost complete. The state government has also asked Idco and works department to complete the infrastructure work by September.

As many as 36 matches will be played during the tournament while the opening match will be played between Belgium and Canada on November 28 and the host India will also start their campaign on the same day when they will take on South Africa. The host country will play its next two pool matches against Belgium and Canada on December 2 and 8 respectively.