Minister of State for Youth Services, Sports and Fisheries K. Abhayachandra Jain said here on Tuesday that his department will build an additional swimming pool at Yemmekere near Pandeshwar in the city.

At the meet-the-press at Patrika Bhawan, Mr. Jain said Mangalore City South MLA J.R. Lobo has proposed building a swimming pool at the land owned by the Mangalore City Corporation (MCC) in Yemmekere.

“We are waiting for transfer of title of the land in favour of the department (of Youth Affairs and Sports). We will construct the new swimming pool at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore,” he said.

Mr. Lobo said he proposed the site in Yemmekere as it would cater to needs of people from Southern Mangalore.

Mr. Jain said a new sports complex housing a synthetic track, swimming pool, badminton court and State Youth Empowerment Centre would be built in the 28.5 acre of land in Moodbidri.

“I will be criticised for having such a big project in my constituency. I will take it in my stride as this will help hundreds of sports persons,” he said. As much as Rs. 15 crore was earmarked by the Union government for this project, he added.

The Minister of State said a cycling drome was coming up in Bijapur at a cost of Rs. 5 crore.

Courtesy: The Hindu