India’s first eco-friendly Thyagaraj stadium inaugurated

New Delhi: India`s first eco-friendly sports complex Thyagaraj stadium, which will be the venue for Netball competition of the upcoming Commonwealth Games here, was today inaugurated by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. Built over an area of 16,000 square metres, the Thyagaraj Stadium has been built with the latest green building technologies and eco-friendly material. "This is our first green stadium and it is the only one which has been constructed right from the scratch with Commonwealth Games in mind. Other stadiums are just being upgraded," Dikshit said speaking on the occasion. The stadium would soon be equipped with a gas panel for energy supply. Currently solar energy is being used for lighting purposes. The stadium features effective water management systems such as rainwater harvesting and sewage treatment with two lakh litres a day capacity. Sports Minister MS Gill, who was also present at the function said the stadium is set to become "pride of Delhi" "There is no doubt that it is one of the finest multi-purpose stadium in the world". "I have been to a lot of places like Sydney, Beijing and London and seen their infrastructure. I will say, our stadium is incomparable and it is not an exaggeration," he added. "Even after the CWG is over, this stadium can be used to host badminton, Table Tennis, basketball tournaments. We have spent enough money and I am confident of hosting a world class Games this year," he said. Dikshit also said the projects due for the Games would be completed on time. "Let me assure all of you that all the projects would be completed on time. Let there be no doubt in anyone`s mind. The Games would be successful". The sports complex has a parking for 450 vehicles. The multi-purpose Air Conditioned Indoor stadium has a seating capacity of 5,823. The stadium has been built at a cost of Rs 297 crore. The stadium would be handed over to the education department after the games are over, Dikshit said. PTI