Valpoi
The Valpoi Municipal Council ground is currently in a state of disrepair, with extensive grass growth making it difficult for players to use the facility, particularly during the monsoon.
Around Rs 3 crore is reportedly being spent on the development of the municipal ground. In addition, approximately Rs 97.67 lakh has been estimated for high-mast sports lighting, while around Rs 14.64 lakh was earmarked for maintenance of the existing ground in November 2024. A fresh proposal of approximately Rs 26.30 lakh for repairs in 2026 has now raised questions among residents about the maintenance of the facility and the utilisation of public funds.
Players forced to use private grounds
With the municipal ground not consistently available in playable condition, several local players are reportedly depending on a private ground at Saleli-Sattari for practice. Since the private facility requires payment, the situation has created additional inconvenience for young players.
Cricket, football, volleyball, kabaddi and other sports require regular practice, particularly for school and college students. Players and residents feel that the municipal facility should therefore remain usable throughout the year.
Regular maintenance needed
During the monsoon, grass grows rapidly across the ground, making regular grass cutting, cleaning and drainage maintenance essential. Players have also raised concerns about the condition of the playing surface and the surrounding infrastructure.
Residents are seeking greater clarity on the expenditure incurred on various works, the scope of maintenance contracts and the present status of the ground.
While the proposed high-mast lighting could improve the facility’s usability in the evenings, players point out that lighting alone cannot make the ground functional. Regular grass cutting, cleanliness, drainage maintenance, upkeep of the playing surface and repairs to fencing are equally important.
Meanwhile, various sports infrastructure projects are being undertaken in Sattari, including a proposed football turf at Masordem estimated to cost around Rs 49 lakh. Players and residents have stressed that maintaining existing sports facilities should receive equal attention.
Demand for permanent maintenance system
Players and residents have called for a permanent maintenance mechanism for the Valpoi municipal ground, including a fixed grass-cutting schedule, regular cleaning, drainage maintenance and periodic inspections.
They have urged the authorities to restore the ground to a playable condition at the earliest and ensure that it remains available throughout the year, allowing local youngsters to access a public sports facility without having to depend on private grounds.
