Bhubaneswar: Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) on Monday issued an order asking the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) to provide toilets, drinking water and illumination at the Satyabrata Stadium in Cuttack. The stadium is used by senior citizens as well as local youths for various activities.
Hearing a plea alleging the absence of basic facilities at the stadium, OHRC observed that since the site is under the authority of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), due permission should be obtained at the earliest, and the facilities should be provided to the users.
“During the course of the hearing, it is agreed upon that required permission being given by the ASI, CMC shall take up the work for providing basic amenities like water, electrification, construction of rest shed, walking track, and toilets to meet the requirement of the persons as well as players using Satyabrata Stadium,” reads the order.
ASI’s superintending archaeologist, who was present during the hearing contended that for toilet, drinking water and lighting, he could accord the permission, but for rain shed, yoga shed and installation of open gym equipment at the stadium, permission will be needed from higher authorities.
The applicant, Bijaya Kumar Ragada, former secretary of Orissa High Court Bar Association, claimed that the Mahanadi Walking and Laughing Club operated from the stadium and promoted health and happiness among senior citizens, but the stadium lacks basic amenities.
Ragada also said that every day thousands of residents use the ground for walking and yoga during the morning as well as evening hours. He stated that the inmates of a nearby hostel used the ground for different sports activities daily.
Observing the facts and plea, the rights panel asked the CMC to provide toilets, drinking water and illumination and obtain permission from higher authorities of ASI for the construction of the rest shed and yoga area at the stadium.