Sports associations, fire works traders unhappy over stadium allotment

The firework traders are seemingly upset over the decision of the authorities in allotting Indira Gandhi Municipal Stadium (IGMC) for sale of crackers. While there is a call out for applications for permission to set up a stall at IGMC from the Municipal Corporation, not many of the stock owners are given an opportunity this year, as only 50 shops are allowed at the stadium.

There are more than 200 potential traders who are eager to set up stalls for the upcoming Diwali festival. However, only 16 shops can be fit into the grounds at Gymkhana grounds and the Basavapunnaiah grounds at Ajith Singh Nagar but traders fear the decline in business there owing to the distance and traffic concerns in the city.

Meanwhile, the applicant should pay Rs 500 as application fee besides trade license fee of Rs 1000, occupation fee of Rs 600, sanitation and user charges of Rs 270 and a demand draft towards the Vijayawada Commissioner’s name for Rs 11,320. Additional citizen charge of Rs 500 is also payable by the applicant who has to invest nearly Rs 13,000 for setting up the stall after obtaining permissions.

Representative of the Fire Work Merchants Association Kodandaramiah In conversation with the Hans India said, “We are filing applications in despair. Just because we acquired the stock, this year we are going ahead with the proposal. There are several problems to have the stalls set up at IGMC stadium.

Swarjya Maidan was the ideal and only place in the city that was feasible for the public and traders as well. Any other place would deter the spirits of people and traders at large’’. Why don’t the government come forward and engage grounds of the government undertaking colleges in the city when it cannot let the most preferable place for activities?”

Nearly 400 odd applications are anticipated to be filed seeking allotment of stalls. Earlier when PWD grounds were allowed to have stalls, the area could only house 106 stalls. But there are more than 150 applications from a single association of the traders. The allotment of stalls will be held on November 2nd while the lottery will be taken out on November 1st.

Meanwhile, the Krishna District Olympic Association honorary secretary KP Rao submitted a memorandum addressing the Chief Minister saying that any private activity in the IGMC stadium will deprive the interests of sportsmen and players. The food court which was set up inside the stadium was shifted outside because there was sanitation problem that posed a grave threat to the visitors at the stadium grounds.

If there is any private movable establishment made inside the stadium, there are many chances for injuries to the players and also leveling problems to the ground. We strongly oppose the decision of the government to allow fire cracker stalls to be set up at the stadium, he said.

However, the obstruction for organising events at PWD Grounds has come in as a severe blow to the people who are fun starved. Being the only viable place for entertainment, the organizers of events are discouraged to come and set up their annual ventures in the city.

By Ch Sowmya Sruthi