Berhampur, March 3: Berhampur Stadium has been closed to all sportsmen and women and general public for an indefinite period for the renovation of the playground and installation of an underground reservoir with sprinkler irrigation system.

A total of Rs 56.06-lakh has been earmarked by the director, sports and youth affairs, for the purpose.

While Rs 20 lakh has been sanctioned for soil change for the playfield, Rs 36.06 lakh has been earmarked for construction of a 4-lakh litre capacity underground water reservoir and sprinkler irrigation system.

“The work is on war footing and expected to be completed within six months,” said Suryamani Sahu, a trained ground technician of Barabati Stadium in Cuttack deployed by the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA).

Another ground technician of Barabati Stadium Shyamapada Ghosh is also busy in the renovation work of Berhampur Stadium playground.

Two other local groundsmen — D. Mohan Rao and Sudarshan Behera- — are also assisting them.

They are being guided by the chief curator of the OCA Pankaj Patnaik and curator Sutu Ghosh.