Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jan 28: The skating rink near Kadri Park in the city needs maintenance. However, even after the horticultural department called for tenders to undertake maintenance thrice, no bidder came forward to undertake.

The skating rink was laid by spending Rs 16 lac. Because of non-maintenance, the rink suffers. It is located in the land belonging to the department of horticulture. The work on this rink started in 2008 and went on very slowly and got completed in 2011. Mescom had provided funds of Rs 12 lac while Mangalore Rollerskating Club had contributed four lac rupees. Several district and school zone level tournaments have been held here.

Skating rink at Kadri (file photo)

Because of coronavirus infection, no one is interested to bid for rink maintenance, it is learnt. The bidders are concerned about the losses if sufficient students do not show interest to learn skating. The rink is in a neglected state now, bushes and plants have grown all around, and if it is not maintenance in time, the department may have to spend heavily to restore the rink.

The rink has a huge gate that is broken but locked. One of the gate is open always, and beedi and cigarette butts, liquor sachets, beer bottles, plastic bags etc are strewn around. Locals claim the spot is used for immoral activities at night.

The rink is located in a picturesque location not found anywhere in the region. Many who trained here have become great achievers. Social activist Gopalakrishna Bhat, feels that the department, instead of allowing the rink to go waste just because there were no bidders, should choose alternative means. Officials in the department said that bid will again be called after the monsoon.