A major theft has plunged the multipurpose sports stadium in Phase 9, Mohali, into a state of disrepair, exposing glaring security and maintenance failures. Solar panels valued at several crores of rupees, crucial for operating an international-standard swimming pool, have been stolen from the premises.
Security Lapse and Infrastructure Neglect
The theft, which occurred at the stadium in Sector 63, was facilitated by a significant infrastructural flaw. Sources indicate the absence of a boundary wall on one side of the complex was the primary enabler. Although staircases and pillars were constructed along a drain, the wall was never completed. This oversight turned the structures into an easy access point for thieves, allowing them to strip away the expensive solar installation.
The solar panels served a critical purpose: to provide hot water throughout the year to the stadium's swimming pool. This system was designed to convert the facility into an all-weather venue, enabling international-level training for children regardless of the season.
Impact on Athletes and Training
The consequences of the theft are severe and immediate for aspiring athletes. The Phase-9 swimming pool can now only function during the summer months. During winter, young swimmers are compelled to travel to the already overcrowded international pool in Sector 78, disrupting their training schedules and access to facilities.
This incident highlights a broader pattern of neglect towards existing sports infrastructure in the region. The stadium was part of a 2011 initiative by the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to build multiple sports complexes across the city. The Phase-9 and Sector-78 stadiums were later transferred to the Punjab Sports Department for management.
Demands for Accountability and Probe
Following an inspection of the site, Mohali Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi called for a stringent investigation. He emphasized the need for a high-level inquiry into the massive theft and strict action against responsible officials. "Mohali has excellent sports infrastructure, but its maintenance is being neglected," Bedi stated. He criticized the Punjab government's approach, suggesting promotion of sports is limited to advertisements while concrete steps for maintaining existing assets are ignored.
When contacted, District Sports Officer (DSO) Rupesh Kumar clarified that the theft predated his tenure. He confirmed that the department has formally written to GMADA, informing them of the incident and requesting the construction of the missing boundary wall. He indicated that further action now rests with GMADA.
Meanwhile, the stadium is being repurposed as an indoor volleyball court. However, this does not address the core issues of security failures and the loss of a vital, crores-worth facility meant for nurturing sporting talent, leaving the community demanding answers and restoration.
