Coimbatore: The Coimbatore corporation has approved the construction of a new multi-sports turf on the Kumarasamy lake bund at a cost of Rs 60 lakh.This will be the second turf at the Kumarasamy lake. It is meant for creating more recreational space for young people.The recent corporation council meeting approved awarding the contract to NMS Engineers to construct the turf.Meanwhile, CPI councillor C Shanthi and members of All India Youth Federation have critisized the corporation for privatizing the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the existing turf at the lake. According to them, entry fee is higher when the private parties operate and maintain the turf. They demanded that the corporation announce a nominal fee that should be made common across turfs owned by it.Shanthi, who is the councillor of ward 41, said, “We welcome the move to establish more turfs. But the corporation should work on fixing a common entry fee to these turfs. Most of the private turfs cost more than Rs 2,000 for every two hours. The same should not be the case in corporation turfs. If the O&M is privatized, they will demand higher charges.”She suggested that the corporation appoint staffers for maintenance and monitoring. She said, “Corporation school students should be provided monthly passes with a very minimal charge so that they can come in groups to play any sport, be it cricket or football.”AIYF members have held several protests condemning the corporation for privatising the O&M of turfs.
