Coimbatore: All India Youth Federation (AIYF) has condemned Coimbatore corporation’s decision to hand over the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the newly constructed volleyball and basketball turfs on the Kumarasamy lake bund in the city to private operators.On Monday, members of AIYF petitioned district collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar seeking to withdraw the decision. On Feb 11, the corporation passed a resolution at its general council meeting to privatize the O&M of volleyball and basketball turfs, built at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. AIYF district secretary M Gunasekaran said, “Sports facilities in the city are being handed over to private people. Students and sports enthusiasts are unable to use them. The best example is the VOC Ground and Sastri Ground. The grounds meant for sports are being used to conduct exhibitions and other commercial activities. Students find it hard to locate government grounds for practice or even for leisure time.” He said many private turfs have emerged with levying huge costs for every hour, rendering them unaffordable for all people.“When the corporation announced the construction of turfs, many students welcomed the move. But they are disappointed now following corporation’s decision to hand the turfs to private parties for operation and maintenance,” he added. “Students fear that they would end up paying huge entry fees. Sports should be made available to all walks of life.”
