SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on June 23, informed that as per preliminary reports, it was ascertained that the 10 meters of the retaining walls of the newly-built PA Sangma Stadium at Tura that collapsed on June 22, was due to a blockage in the drainage system.
Sangma said this after holding a review meeting, on June 23, on the collapse of the retaining wall yesterday, where he was handed over a report prepared by engineers and contractors following a preliminary study.
“As per the reports, the drainage system that is there in the PA Sangma stadium, which was meant to allow water to flow out, was blocked, causing the water to accumulate,” he said.
Informing that there are two parts to the stadium construction, Sangma said that the first part is complete and it included the football stadium which is approximately Rs 50 crore.
“This is where the incident took place. The second part of the stadium – which is the indoor stadium, is approximately Rs 70 crore. Work was already on in the second part of the stadium and because of the activities going on in the second part, the drains got blocked; the water could not flow out, putting pressure on this section of the retaining walls which then gave in under pressure,” the chief minister said.
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Sangma said that the specifications are as per the drawings and details put in and the retaining wall has been made as per specifications. “There is nothing wrong in the construction part; all the specifications were adhered to. It was only because of drainage and leakage of water that the incident happened. We have taken the necessary steps to stop any further kind of damage to the stadium,” he added.
Furthermore, he said that the overall structure, the new stands that have come up are all stable and reports stated that there are no damages to any other structures as they are independent.
“As per preliminary report, only 10 meters of the retaining wall where the pressure of the entire football field was concentrated, collapsed,” he said.
The chief minister also informed that the high-mast that is there in the stadium is independent of the retaining walls’ foundations. “The foundation is nine meters deep and from their calculation, the high-mast is stable but as a precaution, they are further investigating and reducing the weight of the high-mast temporarily to avoid any untoward incidents,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, a magisterial inquiry has been instituted to probe the incident. “Engineers and contractors are in the ground and they are taking every step to ensure that no further damage is done to the stadium,” Sangma added.