₹1.35 Crore in Rent Dues Must Be Recovered from Chintamani Stadium Shops: Dr. Sudhakar

CHINTAMANI: District In-charge Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar has directed officials of the Sports Department to recover over ₹1.35 crore in pending rent from commercial shops leased at the Jhansi Rani Lakshmibai Stadium in Chintamani. The directive came during a review meeting on “Development of Stadiums” held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Describing the stadium as a model sports complex, Dr. Sudhakar stressed that the rent dues must be collected and reinvested into the stadium’s development. Of the 193 shops, several leases have expired and should be re-auctioned. He expressed dissatisfaction over the department’s failure to maintain proper tenant records.

He announced that ₹9 crore has been sanctioned for laying a synthetic track at the stadium and ₹7 crore approved for developing a natural grass cricket ground on nine acres of PWD land. Administrative approvals are in progress.

Dr. Sudhakar also spoke of ongoing efforts to upgrade the Sir M. Visvesvaraya District Stadium in Chikkaballapur and build an indoor stadium in Gauribidanur, with similar upgrades planned at taluk level.

Criticizing the current system of shared revenue accounts among stadiums, he said each stadium generating income should have a dedicated account. "Chintamani Stadium alone earns ₹3 lakh per month. I will appeal to the Chief Minister to ensure separate accounts are maintained,” he added.