The Pune Municipal Corporation has proposed introducing fees and a pass system for athletes using the Late Baburao Sanas Ground, potentially ending free individual practice at the city facility. The proposal will apply only after approval by the PMC General Body.
Under the proposed structure, athletes below 18 years of age will pay ₹300 per month, while those above 18 will be charged ₹600 per month. This amounts to annual payments of ₹3,600 and ₹7,200 respectively. The proposal has been placed before the PMC Standing Committee and General Body through the civic body’s Sports Committee.
At present, individual athletes can use the ground for practice without paying a fee. The proposed policy covers access to the facility, use of its synthetic track and disciplinary rules for athletes and coaches.
If approved, individual practice will be permitted from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. The period between 9 am and 4 pm will be reserved for competitions. From Monday to Saturday, the ground may also be allotted exclusively for athletics competitions, subject to prior permission from the PMC.
Organisers seeking to hold competitions will have to submit applications to the civic body’s Sports Department. Regular practice will not be permitted while competitions are under way. The ground will remain closed every Sunday for maintenance and will not be available for competitions on that day.
The proposed rules also specify the manner in which the synthetic track and ground can be used. Athletes will have to wear appropriate sports shoes, while slippers and regular shoes will not be permitted. Food cannot be brought onto or consumed on the track or ground.
Parents of trainees and other citizens will not be allowed inside the track or ground under the proposal. The facility will also not be available for walking, restricting its use to permitted athletics-related activities.
Individual athletes and coaches will be required to obtain identity cards from the Sports Department and produce them at the entrance when asked by staff or security personnel. The proposed system would therefore make access dependent on both payment and registration with the civic department.
The policy further states that athletes and coaches will be responsible for injuries or accidents occurring during practice. The civic administration would not be held liable under the proposed rules.
The proposed charges, timings and operating conditions remain subject to consideration by the PMC’s Standing Committee and General Body. The policy will come into effect only if it receives General Body approval.
