In a welcome move for sports enthusiasts and the academic community in Kochi, Kerala’s Higher Education department has officially sanctioned an administrative grant of ₹43.7 lakh. This substantial funding is designated for the construction of a much-needed drainage system around the state-of-the-art hockey turf at Maharaja’s College ground.
For too long, the absence of an effective drainage solution has plagued the international-level hockey turf, leading to persistent and disruptive waterlogging. This issue hasn’t just affected the playing surface; it has also caused significant inconvenience in the areas adjacent to the college hostel and nearby offices. Local MLA T.J. Vinod highlighted that despite having such a premier facility, the recurring waterlogging had made it incredibly difficult for players to utilize the turf effectively.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Mr. Vinod underscored that a robust drainage system was the only viable long-term solution. Responding to this critical situation, the Higher Education department approved the estimated cost of ₹43.78 lakh, as prepared by the Department of Public Works. This investment will rectify the problems stemming from the turf’s construction on raised land, which, without proper drainage, had inadvertently exacerbated the waterlogging problem, particularly making access via Hospital Road challenging.
This approval marks a crucial step towards ensuring that Maharaja’s College ground can finally offer an uninterrupted, high-quality playing environment, benefiting athletes and enhancing the overall campus infrastructure.