All's fair at Kadma grounds from now

Annual trade fairs, exhibitions and public cultural events, so far held at Gopal Maidan, will henceforth move to Ganesh Puja grounds at Kadma, freeing up the Bistupur landmark for sporting events through the year.

The Ganesh Puja grounds have been renovated to serve as the permanent venue of such annual events from now. On Thursday, Jusco chairman and vice-president (corporate services), Tata Steel, Sunil Bhaskaran, inaugurated the ground which now boasts many improvements.

Spread over 7,500sqm, the ground has been barricaded with iron grille. A new 1.85m wide walkers' track has been laid out, 10 benches put up and 50 palm trees planted. A parking has also been created to cater to 330 two-wheelers and 150 four-wheelers.

"The ground now looks beautiful. Tata Steel and Jusco plan to develop more such beautiful avenues in the city. Our aim is to work towards making Jamshedpur a smarter city," Tata Steel's Bhaskaran said.

The ground already has electricity and water connection and Jusco now plans to build toilets.

Opinion was divided on making Ganesh Puja ground the permanent venue of public functions. While traders and organisers of exhibitions felt it might hit footfall, sportspersons welcomed the move whole heartedly.

"Gopal Maidan is a place where kinds of people assemble. Moreover, it's centrally located and is easy accessible. So, I think Gopal Maidan will be the preferred venue for fair and cultural programmes," said Manoj Singh, a member of Centre for Bharatiya Marketing Development (CBMD), an offshoot of Swadeshi Jagran Manch that organises the annual Swadeshi Mela.

But sportspersons rooted for the Bistupur venue.

"It's good that Gopal Maidan will now be available for sports events. Often, the maidan was left littered with nails and screws after an exhibition. Athletes found it difficult to run barefoot after an event. I am really relieved that only sports events will be held at the maidan from now on," said athlete Shanti Mukta Barla.

"Gopal Maidan has always been a favourite spot for morning-walkers and has witnessed many successful sports events. So we are happy that the maidan will be free for only sports events," said L. Nageshwar Rao, general secretary of the Jharkhand State Karate Do Association.

Thursday's function was also attended by Jusco managing director Ashish Mathur, president of Tata Worker's Union R. Ravi Prasad and senior general manager (town services) Captain Dhananjay Mishra.

Senior citizens, schoolchildren and members of Andhra Association were also present.

"The revamped Ganesh Puja grounds is a reflection of the team spirit of Jusco and Tata Steel. We have formed a committee, comprising local residents, to supervise the ground. Also, Jusco plans to upgrade the ground in every couple of years," said Captain Mishra.

Share your opinion on the revamped Ganesh Puja grounds at ttkhand@abpmail.com