CHITWAN: The construction of Chitwan-based Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium initiated by Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation is to be constructed with the collaborative investment of the federal government, Bagmati Province government, and the Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
The joint venture aims to bring the stalled project back to life, marking a crucial milestone in national sports infrastructure.
Renu Dahal, the Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolis, said that the federal government, in a recent cabinet meeting, granted approval for the cooperative initiative.
Emphasizing the project’s national importance and the necessity to acquire land under the Lease Act, Dahal highlighted the need for Council of Ministers’ approval.
Under the agreement, the federal government commits to provide budgetary support in the form of a grant to ensure the successful completion of the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium.
The revised plan entails securing land for the stadium for a 40-year term under the Lease Act, eliminating the speculative land acquisition provision.
Bharatpur Metropolitan City is set to advance the stadium project by finalizing a land agreement with Tribhuvan University and Agriculture and Forestry University.
Mayor Dahal outlined the phased approach, detailing the completion of the playground and parapet in the initial stage, making the stadium conducive for national-level games.
The initial understanding with the metropolis stipulated that the state government would contribute Rs. 750 million in the first phase.
However, Dahal revised the cost estimate, indicating a total expenditure of one billion for the comprehensive completion of the stadium.
In case of budgetary shortfalls, provisions have been made for the federal government’s subsidy to bridge the financial gap.
Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation had halted construction two years ago due to Rs 190 crore debt, causing a prolonged pause in the project.
Recognizing the Gautam Buddha Cricket Stadium as a vital endeavor for the metropolis, Chitrasen Adhikari, deputy head of the metropolis, expressed optimism about the accelerated pace of work now that the federal government has given its nod of approval.
The revival of this sporting facility is poised to make a lasting impact on the region’s sports landscape.
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