Bagmati Province Government Invests in International Cricket Stadium in Hetauda

Makwanpur. An international standard cricket ground has been prepared at the Gauritar Stadium in Hetauda with the investment of the Bagmati Province Government.

The modern ground with 5 pitches has been constructed after the Gauritar Stadium in Hetauda-6, which was laid foundation stone about 16 years ago and remained stalled, was advanced as a prestigious project by the provincial government.

The Bagmati Province Sports Development Council has informed that the construction of the ground, which started two years ago, was completed in the month of Baishakh of the current financial year. Member Secretary Deepak Lama has informed that a total of 11 crore 74 lakh rupees have been spent on the construction of the ground.

The ground construction was contracted by SNS-PL-HKC JV on Chaitra 20, 2080 BS. A modern underground drainage system has been installed in this 70-meter radius sports area and quality 'Bermuda grass' has been planted in the ground. Lama stated that the leveling work of the ground is currently underway and it has been made suitable for national and international competitions.

A 600-seat gallery, VIP room, player changing room, media room, and disabled-friendly structures have been constructed at the ground. The goal is to expand the gallery to accommodate 6,000 spectators in the coming phase.

Collaboration has been done with the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) to strengthen the technical aspects of the ground. According to CAN central member Karan Mahatara, there is a plan to take technical consultation from the curator of TU Cricket Ground and a Bangladeshi curator to further improve the quality of the pitch.

Member Secretary Lama said, 'As the international standards have been met, this ground is suitable for conducting international competitions even in its current state, and we are preparing to formally inaugurate it by organizing a national level competition soon.'

In addition to cricket, an international standard swimming pool has already been constructed at Gauritar, and the construction of the football ground and gallery is in the final stages. The provincial government has also planned to construct a covered hall, synthetic track, botanical park, and accommodation for players here.

This project, which was laid foundation stone by then Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal on Jestha 28, 2066 BS, remained stalled in the initial years due to lack of budget and ownership disputes. Construction gained momentum after the Bagmati Province government took ownership in 2076 BS.

According to the detailed project report (DPR) of 2 billion 42 crore 64 lakh rupees, the goal is to build structures for football, swimming, martial arts, and tennis here.