The New Town Kolkata Development Authority (NKDA) is mulling over plans to set up new playgrounds at eight different locations of New Town. The playgrounds are being developed to meet the longstanding demands of the residents of the area.

The decision was taken in a meeting between officials of the NKDA and the state Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation (HIDCO) held last week. The planned playgrounds are being developed to encourage sports among local children.

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The fields, according to NKDA officials will feature two goal-posts, solar lights and a perimeter road surrounding the ground. It will also have a shed with benches behind or near each goal-post. In addition the fields will have a drainage system to avoid flooding during monsoons.

While NKDA will handle the development of the eight playgrounds, HIDCO is responsible for the layout plan of the project. “The plan for the playgrounds was already there in the master plan of the township which will now be implemented,” informed a senior HIDCO official.

“The tender formalities of the project will start from next week and work is expected to start in two months. The project is expected to be completed by the end of this year,” he added.

Notably, there are several games and sports facilities in New Town, including a football ground with stadium in Action Area I and a cricket ground in Action Area II. Both the grounds have facilities of a stadium and LED flood lights. Apart from this, there is a cricket or football field and indoor games facility at Swapnabhor, which is a park, dedicated to senior citizens of the township.

A nine-hole golf course with driving range at Eco Park has also been developed.

In addition to the playgrounds, HIDCO is also considering plans to develop a government health centre.

The architectural design for the health centre is being undertaken by HIDCO and a plot near the New Town Business Club has been identified for it.

The state Health and Family Welfare Department has sanctioned an amount of Rs 22.50 lakhs for preliminary expenses of the project.