The Nagaland government has spent about ₹140 crore so far on the construction of the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur. The state government is now exploring the possibility of handing over the project to the Sports Authority of India (SAI) to ensure that the remaining work is completed and the facility is properly utilised.The information was shared in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly after MLA Nuklutoshi raised a starred question seeking details about the funds received for the project and the reasons for the delay in completing the sports complex.Responding to the question, Rural Development and SIRD Minister Metsubo Jamir said that ₹43 crore had been received earlier from the Planning Commission between 2006–2007 and 2010–2011. However, no additional funds were received after the transition to NITI Aayog.
He said the Government of Nagaland later provided ₹97 crore over the years to continue the construction work. With this, the total amount received and spent on the project so far has reached ₹140 crore.During the discussion in the Assembly, Nuklutoshi also asked Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio about the progress of the project and the government’s plan to complete the long-pending sports complex.Replying to the query, Rio said the project had faced delays mainly because funds were released in phases and the state had limited financial resources to continue the work at a faster pace. He informed the House that although ₹140 crore has already been received, the total estimated cost required to complete the project is around ₹267 crore, including GST and other related expenses.The chief minister said the government is now considering handing over the sports complex to the Sports Authority of India as a practical solution for completing the remaining work. He added that the process for handing over the facility is currently underway.
According to Rio, a second survey of the complex has already been carried out. The next step involves signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Nagaland government and the SAI regional directorate through the state Department of Sports.The chief minister also informed the Assembly that the stadium has been designed with a seating capacity of around 30,000 people. For smooth movement of spectators and proper crowd management, the facility will require at least three entry points.Rio said that once the project is handed over, the Sports Authority of India will help complete the remaining construction and ensure proper use of the complex. He added that SAI could also deploy coaches and establish national-level training centres for different sports disciplines at the facility.
