Students oppose plan to develop college grounds

Mysuru: University of Mysore (UoM) and Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSAC), who had signed an MoU to develop Maharaja cricket grounds some months ago, had not taken the works owing to pressure from various quarters. But going by the developments, it seems the works will be taken up in a few weeks from now.
Soon after UoM and KSCA signed the MoU on June 22, 2015, to develop the century-old Maharaja cricket grounds into a full-fledged cricket grounds - on the lines of Srikantadatta Narasimharaja Wadiyar Grounds - many students and organizations raised opposition.Those opposing the project, including BPEd and MPEd students and some staff of the department of physical education, petitioned the DC, demanding that the project be shelved. Their grouse: if the grounds is developed as per the MoU, the venue will be dedicated only to cricket, with no scope for other games and sports there.
Many sportspersons and general public, who are unhappy with the MoU, said that the grounds is ideal to hold many sporting events. The grounds has doubled as football grounds and hockey grounds on many occasions. It has also hosted many inter-collegiate handball and baseball tourneys. Recently, UoM also conducted the south zone inter-university women's hockey tournament.
A few weeks ago, Maharaja's College principal Nagarajmurthy and administrator Vasanth told reporters that the university is thinking of dropping the project, owing to opposition from some students and organizations. However, UoM and KSCA are said to have started the work on the project now, sources said.
Speaking to TOI, UoM registrar C Basavaraju said: "If students and people are not happy with the proposed renovation, let them make a representation to the vice-chancellor. The decision to renovate the grounds was taken at a Syndicate meeting. Any change to that should also be decided at the Syndicate meeting."
Many people, especially strollers, including senior citizens, are unhappy with the proceedings. Some of them are even contemplating to file a public interest litigation.
As per the MoU, KSCA will come out with 10 turf wickets - 5 for matches and as many for practice. Other facilities planned: grass for outfield, a chain-link fencing around the grounds, and a pavilion and an office near the overhead tank. There was also a proposal to build a spectators' gallery around the grounds.