Minister Satish Jarkiholi: Cabinet Needs to Determine Relocation of Cricket Stadium from Bengaluru, Requested Report

Following Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement that the government will consider the proposal to relocate the cricket stadium outside Bengaluru, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced on Monday that he has requested the relevant file and that the cabinet will need to make a decision on the matter.

He also noted that the amount being paid by the Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA) as lease is significantly low.

In response to inquiries about the call to move the cricket stadium, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters in Mysuru on Sunday, “we will review it…. a site needs to be identified.” The movement to shift the stadium has gained traction after the tragic stampede outside Chinnaswamy Stadium on June 4, which resulted in the deaths of 11 people.
“It’s under our (department’s) management; we have leased it out. The cabinet will need to make a decision regarding this,” Jarkiholi mentioned when asked by reporters about any proposals from his department concerning the stadium’s relocation.

When asked if the PWD department would provide land if such a proposal arises, he stated, “we don’t need to allocate land; they (KSCA) have ample funds to acquire a hundred acres. Previously, there was a necessity, which led to the land being leased to KSCA. Now, if they wish, they will have to buy land.” Emphasizing the low lease amount, the Minister pointed out that the lease has been renewed twice, each time for thirty years.

“Since the issue was recently brought up, I’ve requested the file to review it. I will check when the lease period concludes. From what I understand, the annual lease amount is quite minimal,” he added.