Domkal: Sports lovers and youths of Domkal town in Murshidabad have forced a fair to be called off before schedule after complaints to local authorities that the venue, a playground, has been left unfit for sports.
Pandals erected on the ground, belonging to the subdivision sports authority, have left big craters and the debris is yet to be removed, said the complaint lodged with the subdivisional officer.
The officer, Taheruzzaman, has asked the Domkal municipality, which gave permission for the fair, to restore the field quickly and remove all debris.
Moreover, a circus company occupies the only other ground belonging to the local high school since June 12.
Local people who either play on the subdivision sports authority's ground and morning walkers a few days ago lodged a complaint with the SDO and the district sports authority requesting them to restore the ground as quickly as possible.
The SDO said, "I have received complaints from local people and the subdivision sports authority. I have cancelled further permission for the fair. I have also asked the municipality authorities to fill up the craters and level the ground and clear the field of all debris."
After the SDO's order on Saturday, the work on dismantling of the fair started from Sunday.
Secretary of a local football club that uses the playground, Tajimuddin Khan, said that the fair started from June 10 and was supposed to continue till July 10. "As a result our members could not practise there. We have the local Domkal football league before the pujas and our footballers need to practise. The SDO's order is welcome."
Morning walkers who use the ground were also deprived because of the fair. Morning walker Anarul Islam said, "We were greatly inconvenienced because of the fair but are now we are happy that the fair is being dismantled. There is no other proper ground in Domkal for morning walkers."
The vice chairman of Domkal municipality, Pradip Chaki, said that there was no other proper ground in Domkal to hold fairs. "So we had given permission for the fair. But, now after the SDO's order, we will restore the ground so that sports activities can take place," said Chaki.
Another playground in Domkal is that of Domkal BT High School. But it is occupied by a circus since June 12.
Headmaster of the school, Tapan Samanta, said" "We have let out the playground to the circus company against a hefty sum for a month. With the money we will construct a dining hall for students' midday meals."
Dhiman Das, secretary of Domkal subdivision sports authority, said: "Our ground is for the benefit of society. To see it fall into the hands of fair organisers was unfortunate. But we are happy the SDO took prompt action."
