In a sharp critique ahead of the city's major international sporting commitment, the Leader of the Opposition in the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), Shehzad Khan Pathan, has leveled serious allegations of negligence against the civic body. The accusations center on the poor maintenance and prolonged closure of numerous public sports facilities across Ahmedabad, even as the city prepares to host the prestigious Commonwealth Games in 2030.
Allegations of Vanished Rinks and Locked Complexes
Raising the issue during the AMC's general meeting on Friday, Pathan presented a grim picture of the city's sporting infrastructure. He claimed that several key facilities, including skating rinks, tennis courts, and multi-sport complexes, are lying unused and in a state of disrepair due to a lack of proper maintenance.
One of the most striking examples cited was a skating rink in the Junavadaj area. Pathan stated that the rink, constructed 15 years ago at a cost of Rs 1 crore, has now "vanished without a trace." He also highlighted two major sports complexes built on the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront at a combined cost exceeding Rs 20 crore. According to his allegations, the Shahpur facility remains shut down despite being handed over to a private operator for management.
High-Investment Projects Remain Inaccessible to Public
The opposition leader further pointed to other specific instances where public investment has failed to yield public benefit. He mentioned a tennis court located near Memnagar Lake that is currently non-operational.
Pathan brought particular attention to the Naranpura Sports Complex, a massive project inaugurated in September at a staggering cost of Rs 731.37 crore. He alleged that even three months after its grand opening, essential facilities within the complex, such as the swimming pool and various courts, remain inaccessible to the citizens of Ahmedabad.
Stalled Projects and a Demand for Inclusive Access
Beyond existing facilities, Pathan also highlighted projects that have failed to get off the ground. He noted that a proposed international-standard tennis stadium near the Sardar Patel Stadium has been delayed for five years due to ongoing disputes. Adding to the concern, he stated that the heritage Sardar Patel Stadium itself has been closed since 2022, with no visible progress on its promised renovation.
Concluding his arguments, Shehzad Khan Pathan put forward a demand to foster a genuine sports culture in the city. He urged the AMC to provide free access to all municipal sports facilities for students from municipal schools and to offer concessional membership rates for other citizens. This move, he argued, is essential to utilize the infrastructure for public good and nurture athletic talent, especially with a global event like the Commonwealth Games on the horizon.
