The local civic authorities seem to have taken a learning from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s fitness mantra and decided to give priority to sports and fitness activities. They are considering coming up with tennis courts in each zone of the city.
“We are dedicated to providing the best services to citizens. There are some great tourist attractions and places to hang out at in the city but now, we want to provide more places for sports and physical activities. We are coming up with tennis courts in each zone,” said Amul Bhatt, standing committee chairman, Ahmedabad municipal Corporation (AMC).
He said that after the recent change in the timing of swimming pools, now, they will not only come up with more swimming pools but also add other sports facilities in the city. At present, there are three sports complexes under the civic body and one sports complex at Khokhra run by the Gujarat Sports Authority where more than 15 different games are played.
“In the next AMC budget, we will make more provisions for sport. We are also considering more swimming pools and gymnasiums. We will construct these facilities on AMC’s open plots,” added Bhatt.
According to Hitesh Contractor, city engineer of the civic body, the subordinate officers in AMC have been asked to prepare a list of the most suitable places for tennis courts. “We’ve asked our department to find the best suitable open plots for tennis courts. Our open plots will be used for sports activities,” said Contractor. According to the sources, the AMC will charge monthly, quarterly and annual fees.
It is to be noted at in the western part of the city, there are private coaching academies and tennis courts. Which is charging more than Rs2000 per month. The civic body is aiming to provide a good facility at a nominal price. “I am paying Rs2500 per month to practice tennis at one of the private institutes. I can’t afford to go to the clubs. If, AMC is coming up with such facility than I will happily join it. I am using their swimming pool which is very good,” said Mehul Bhatt, a resident.
BEING SPORTY
- At present, there are three sports complexes under the civic body and one sports complex at Khokhra run by the Gujarat Sports Authority where more than 15 different games are played.
