Army fires salvo,calls it disaster in making

The Army’s move comes close on the heels of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) president Anurag Thakur’s mass signature drive to seek transfer of the Annandale ground to the civilian administration to convert it into a cricket stadium on the lines of the one at Dharamsala. Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal has also backed the move.

However,Dhumal’s political rival and Union Minister Virbhadra Singh,is against the ground being converted into a cricket stadium and had recently said that “its much better if the ground stays with Army,rather than being converted into a concrete jungle by the land mafia.”

To hammer home its point,the Army on Saturday detailed the historical facts about the ground and purpose it had served for the nation.

“Annadale ground has been the base for launching the disaster management and relief operations since Second World War. But the strategic significance of Annandale as forward logistic and base for operations in the sector adjoining Himachal is being overlooked in preference for a cricket stadium,” an Army release said.

The release said a portion of Annandale was being used by Durand Football Tournament Society instituted in 1888. The land has been in the Army’s possession ever since ss.

In the past the ground has been jointly used by civil administration and Army for conducting disaster relief and management exercises. .

“With such strategic importance both during war and peace,the piece of land has needlessly become an issue. It would be prudent and will do well for all concerned to put a lid on the issue and let the serene and pristine environs of Annandale be left untouched for utilization in the larger national interest,” the Army said.