by : Property

Funds have never been a problem for Goa to host the National Games 2011, as the president of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Mr Suresh Kalmadi on January 1, 2006 had assured that Goa will be allocated 50 per cent of the budget required to host the event. The IOA and the Central government had made this decision with the view that this would provide a development opportunity for a smaller state like Goa. Keeping the assurances the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, Mr Montek Singh Ahluwalia yesterday sanctioned a fund of Rs 1220 crores for the game.

If a small state like Manipur could organise the 2004 National Games, Goa traditionally a sports loving state must host the 2011 National Games. But the recent agitations and opposition to the construction of infrastructure projects has the major source of worry. While the state government would have to develop and construct stadia for various sports events, it major challenge before it is to set up Games Village, which should have not less 1000 dwellings with facilities for 10,000 athletes and officials. There is no doubt that the existing infrastructure is not enough to meet the challenges of the Games. For putting in place the infrastructure, the government would have to use its own land.

One need not turn cynical, but obviously would like to know whether the people those who have been opposed to the construction of industrial infrastructure would allow this project to come up? The reason for putting this question at this stage is; once beaten twice shy. In the initial stage no body objected to setting up of the IT park or even SEZ. But once the real process started, the protest also emerged. How could any one say that the project of Games Village once launched would not face the same situation? It is significant that the entire project would be executed by the real estate developers. At that point of time it would be really tough proposition for Goa and its government to retreat or salvage the situation. The entire money would go in drain!!

Nevertheless the state government has been sanctioned an amount of Rs 650 crores for construction and improvement of internal roads in state as was promised by Dr Singh during his recent visit to Goa. The state needs around Rs 68 crores for development of its roads and bridges as the government intends to improve the road network in the coastal areas as well as those leading to other areas of tourist importance to enable their use by tourists. The government could effectively use the fund sanctioned to repair and augment the roads. Since the Union government is backing the state government, it must not miss the opportunity and ensure that it accomplishes the target. But before embarking on the project it must take the people into confidence, as any kind of obstacle at the fag end will not only jeopardise the National Games but also tarnish the image of Goa.