Pune Municipal Corporation has proposed paid passes and stricter operating rules for athletes using the late Baburao Sanas Ground, replacing its current free-access model if the policy receives approval from the civic body’s general assembly.
Under the proposed Sanas Ground pass structure, athletes below 18 years would pay Rs 300 for a monthly pass, while those aged 18 and above would pay Rs 600. Quarterly, half-yearly and annual passes would also be available. The proposed fees for athletes below 18 are Rs 900, Rs 1,700 and Rs 3,400 respectively, while athletes aged 18 and above would pay Rs 1,800, Rs 3,500 and Rs 7,000 for the same periods.
An identity card would cost an additional Rs 50 and remain valid for one year. The policy also proposes a 20% increase in fees every three years. The administration has prepared the policy and placed it before the standing committee and the general assembly through the sports committee. It will take effect only after approval by the general assembly.
The proposed schedule divides the ground’s use between training and competitions from Monday to Saturday. Individual practice would be permitted from 6 am to 9 am and from 4 pm to 7 pm. The period between 9 am and 4 pm would be reserved for competitions. The ground would be made available for athletics competitions only, and organisers would have to apply to the sports department and obtain municipal permission.
The policy also sets out 18 rules for using the synthetic track and ground, along with separate discipline requirements for coaches and athletes. Users would be required to wear sports shoes. Daily-use slippers and non-sports footwear would not be permitted on the premises. Food would be prohibited on the track and ground.
Parents of trainees and other citizens would not be permitted to enter the track or ground, including for walking. Individual athletes and coaches would have to obtain identity cards from the sports department and show them to municipal staff or security personnel at the entrance.
The proposed rules place responsibility for injuries or accidents on athletes and coaches, stating that the municipal corporation would not be liable. The ground would remain closed every Sunday for maintenance and would not be available even for competitions on that day.
The proposed changes would convert Sanas Ground from a freely accessible sports facility into a managed, fee-based venue with defined user groups, time slots and entry controls. The policy’s final status depends on its consideration and approval by the Pune civic general assembly.
