BRS Party spokesperson Krishank Manne has expressed strong concern over the Congress government’s notification of land acquisition that threatens the iconic Trimulgherry football ground.
Citing history, Krishank highlighted that on June 16, 1981, Former PM Indira Gandhi had declared the ground as a ‘playfield’, explicitly forbidding any construction. In 2018, when the Army restricted sports and civilian entry, locals, including himself, protested and successfully revoked the order.
However, the Congress government’s notification now threatens to take away 3,051 square yards of this historic ground, almost half its area, for road widening. This decision contradicts the recent Cantonment Board meeting, where BJP MP and Congress MLA agreed to reduce the road width.
Krishank questioned the Congress government’s decision to notify a 200-foot-wide road despite these agreements and urged Chief Minister Revanth Reddy to explore alternative options to protect the field. CM claims to be a sportsperson and has expressed his love for football many times. “Is this how he wants to treat existing playgrounds and leave sportspersons in the lurch?” Krishank asked.
“This ground continues to inspire and promote football among youngsters. It is our responsibility to preserve its legacy and ensure its availability for future generations,” Krishank stated. The BRS spokesperson called for immediate action to safeguard this sports landmark.
Trimulgherry football ground is where Olympians Peter Thangaraj, D Kannan, T Balaraman, and former Indian football team captain Victor Amalraj. This field has been a cradle for Indian football.