Campal Ground Must Open Now, Says Panaji Councillor

The Campal Parade Ground and Stadium Complex, redeveloped under the Smart City Mission at an estimated cost of around Rs 30 crore, has remained closed for nearly three years despite construction being completed, prompting renewed calls for the facility to be opened to the public.

City councillor Jack Sukhija on Tuesday urged authorities to immediately allow public access to the complex, arguing that residents have been deprived of facilities built using public funds.

Speaking to reporters outside the locked premises, Sukhija said more than 10,000 residents living in the surrounding areas have been unable to use the infrastructure despite its completion.

“This ground should be made available to the people of Panaji. There is no reason to keep it closed,” he said.

The Campal Parade Ground and Stadium Complex spans approximately 40,000 square metres and includes a football pitch, covered seating for 1,350 spectators, a walking track, a multipurpose lawn, a children’s play area, an outdoor gym and smart parking facilities.

Sukhija said the project appeared to be one of the better-developed initiatives undertaken under the Smart City Mission and questioned why it remained inaccessible to the public.

“From what I can see, this is one of the better Smart City projects. It is mind-boggling why it is not open,” he said.

According to the councillor, the location of the facility makes it particularly suitable for community use as it is surrounded by residential neighbourhoods and lies in a central part of the city. He noted that senior citizens and local residents could benefit from amenities such as the walking track, open spaces and recreational facilities.

“We want this open so that people can get access to these facilities,” he added.

Sukhija called upon officials of the Smart City Mission and the Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) to take immediate steps to operationalise the complex. He stated that while no formal representation has yet been submitted to the authorities, efforts are currently focused on creating awareness among residents about the continued closure of the facility.

He further indicated that the campaign would be expanded by involving a larger section of Panaji residents in support of the demand for the opening of the ground and stadium complex.