VALPOI: The work on the Hathwada ground here, which is taken up for upgradation, is in full swing, however locals have expressed apprehensions over soil erosion and loss of vegetation caused due to hill cutting activity -- carried out to make way for the expansion of the ground.

Taking this in view, the concerned locals have called upon the authorities to erect a retaining wall to prevent further damage.

It may be recalled that this playground which was used by Valpoi locals was lying in a pitiable state. But this had not deterred the local sports association and sports clubs here from organising tournaments and other sports activities for the last two decade.

Many a times this issue was highlighted by the local media and the sports enthusiasts too were pursuing the matter vigorously with the local authorities to have this ground restored. The issue finally saw the light of the day when the local MLA, Mr Vishwajit Rane came forward and took keen interest in developing the ground.

The Hathwada ground project is estimated to cost around Rs 40 lakh. The upgradation work of the ground that had started some six months ago is in final stages and presently the laying of ‘doob grass’ work is underway.

Meanwhile, the hill cutting activity has damaged the surrounding vegetation due to which there is massive soil erosion in the area. According to experts heavy soil erosion around the Hathwada ground is causing damage to the vegetation and trees on one side, which could only worsen the problem in heavy rains.

"Protection wall is needed urgently to protect the ground from soil erosion and the proposal file has been forwarded to the Sports department but so far they have not cleared the file and no such direction has been issued to us," disclosed sources from PWD.

As far as the quality of work is concerned the local councillor, Mr Abdul Munir Beig is content and is reviewing the work on regular basis. Speaking to ‘The Navhind Times’ he said, "The need of a retaining wall was already informed to the director of sports and it was assured that separate estimates for the retaining wall would have to be made." However, looking at the situation, Mr Beig has urged the sports authorities to take up the work of retaining wall on priority basis.