Collapse of the Stadium Wall
The cricket stadium in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, which is set to host a T20 match between India and Bangladesh on October 6, has faced a significant setback. After experiencing heavy rainfall over the last 24 hours, a portion of the outer boundary wall of the stadium collapsed, leading to water flooding the newly constructed venue. This stadium, built with an investment of Rs 210 crore, is now under scrutiny regarding its engineering and construction quality. The incident raises serious concerns about how such a costly project could face such a critical failure so soon after its completion.
Concerns About the Upcoming Match
With only 17 days left before the much-anticipated match, the situation has become quite alarming. The heavy rains have not only filled the stadium with water but have also exposed severe negligence during the construction phase. Reports indicate that a large drain nearby was closed off during the building process, which has now caused water to flow back into the stadium due to the recent downpours. Thankfully, the rain ceased just in time to prevent water from reaching the main cricket pitch, which could have had dire consequences for the upcoming India-Bangladesh T20 match.
Official Response and Future Actions
In light of these developments, Jyotiraditya Scindia, the Chairman of the India-Bangladesh Match Organizing Committee, has expressed optimism about the match marking the return of international cricket to Gwalior after a 14-year hiatus. He emphasized the importance of the event, stating that it will take place in the new stadium, which has a capacity of 30,000. While Gwalior and other parts of the country are grappling with the effects of climate change and heavy rainfall, officials are committed to rectifying the situation. The administration is actively working to ensure that the necessary arrangements are made to facilitate a successful match.