Date:14/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/14/stories/2005121415600200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Synthetic track will be protected: SAAP

Sports Reporter

Arrangements for AICC plenary in full swing

Care reportedly taken to ensure no digging happens at the venue

Experts consulted to protect the track before installing any structure for the plenary

HYDERABAD: The Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh (SAAP) reiterated that it was fully aware of the quality of the synthetic track at the GMC Balayogi Stadium and also that any kind of damage to it would prove costly for holding national and international events at the venue, where arrangements for the AICC plenary scheduled next month are in full swing.

No digging

Referring to a report published in these columns on Tuesday, Kamala Vardhan Rao, SAAP Vice-Chairman & MD, in a statement, said that the venue was allotted as per the request of the Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee for the AICC plenary. "However, care has been taken to ensure that no digging is done at any place. The entire structure is erected without digging on the track. The pillars are covered by an 18 mm timber plating, as suggested by the technical experts, which are strong and protect the synthetic track without any damage," he explained.

"All necessary precautions have been taken to protect it before erecting any structure. This has been done after taking advice from the structural engineers and duly verified by the experts in the field," he assured.

Significantly, The Hindu report has not mentioned that digging of any sort was undertaken. The emphasis of the report was on the impact of the load the support systems will have on the track after the show is over.

"We have taken every precaution and will take all necessary steps to ensure that the world class infrastructure is intact" Mr.Rao informed.