Chennai: TVK govt will overhaul previous DMK govt’s mini-stadium project for all 234 Assembly constituencies, raising the likely cost of each facility from ₹3 crore to ₹8 crore-₹12 crore, minister Aadhav Arjuna told the Assembly on Tuesday.The revised model will retain the locations already identified and will be funded by the state govt. If implemented across all constituencies, the total outlay could reach about ₹2,000 crore, nearly three times the original ₹702-crore estimate.Aadhav said a review found that the original allocation of ₹3 crore for each stadium was insufficient to build facilities that would remain functional and useful in the long term. A stadium required a swimming pool, gym, and an athletics track, he said.Citing the Karur mini-stadium, he said its running track was in poor condition and could injure athletes. A quality running track alone could cost about ₹10 crore, he added.Previous DMK govt had announced mini-stadiums in all 234 constituencies and begun work in 75 under a phased programme. Former DMK minister Meyyanathan, who raised the issue, said 44 stadiums had been completed and opened, while construction was under way at 31 locations.Meyyanathan sought clarity on whether TVK govt would complete or abandon the ongoing projects. Former chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami had also pointed out that construction of the mini-stadium in his constituency had slowed down.Arjuna said the scheme would be modified rather than scrapped. Work would begin soon, he said. Region-specific sports facilities would be developed to encourage young talent across the state, he said.Govt is also considering banning school sports competitions between 11am and 3.30pm after a Class 12 student died during an inter-school event in Vaniyambadi, Tirupattur district.AIADMK whip Agri S S Krishnamurthy sought compensation for the family of Mukesh, a govt school student who reportedly sustained injuries during the competition and died.
