The world has seen three Fifa world cups since the Multi-Discipline Sports Centre (MDSC) or popularly known as state stadium started its construction in the year 2006. Located at a prime land in Dimapur town spreading over 64 acres, from a distance, the stadium somewhat looks likes a Roman empire era amphitheatre or Colosseum.
Whose idea was it?
As per the contractor Neibu Nagi, the project started in 2006 after the then Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio took the initiative with a vision to hold National Games and handed over the contract to him.
The size of the stadium is 190 metres x 135 metres with a sitting capacity of 35,000 people.
Why is the project getting delayed?
Obviously fund issue, as is the case with many other government projects. As per the contractor, in the beginning the erstwhile Planning Commission, Government of India gave Rs 10 crores per year for 6 years, but after that no funds were provided.
Compare this with Rajiv Gandhi stadium, Aizawl, Mizoram
Rajiv Gandhi Stadium is located in Aizawl, Mizoram. It is used mainly for football and Athletic games. Its foundation stone was laid in 2006. Its hosted the 26th NorthEast Games in 2012 and recently hosted I-League football matches.
The stadium in Aizawl made the football turf and athletic track while the stadium pavilions were still under construction. Same is the case with the Cricket stadium at Sovima, Dimapur. This enables sport activities to resume while infrastructure development is under progress.
Stadiums have a lifespan of about 30 to 50 years.
Can this state stadium follow a similar model like that of Aizawl or Sovima? We hope it does, or else, by the time the entire stadium is ready to be inaugurated, the half life of the stadium would have lapsed!