Phase-9 sports stadium in disrepair; solar panels worth crores stolen, deputy mayor seeks probe

However, following the theft, the Phase-9 swimming pool now operates only during the summer months. In winter, children are forced to travel to the Sector 78 stadium, which is already overcrowded.

In 2011, GMADA proposed the construction of multiple sports stadiums across Mohali to promote sports. Under the plan, two multipurpose stadiums were built along with several smaller stadiums in different phases and sectors. The Phase-9 and Sector-78 stadiums were later handed over to the Punjab Sports Department. Smaller stadiums in Phase 11, Sector 71, Phase 7, Sector 69 and Phase 5 were equipped with facilities for basketball, badminton, squash and skating, along with the deployment of coaches. Hobby players were also accommodated by fixing nominal user charges.

During the Akali government’s tenure, training at both multipurpose stadiums was initiated through the Punjab Institute of Sports (PIS), with residential facilities for trainees. The Phase-9 stadium offered training in boxing, volleyball, wrestling and weightlifting, while the Sector-78 stadium provided coaching in gymnastics, swimming, table tennis, basketball and athletics.

As per the latest developments, the Phase-9 stadium is now being prepared for use as an indoor volleyball court. However, demands for a thorough and high-level investigation into the large-scale solar panel theft have intensified.

Mohali Deputy Mayor Kuljit Singh Bedi, after inspecting the stadium, said, “A high-level inquiry must be conducted into such a massive theft of solar panels, and strict action should be taken against the officials responsible. Mohali has excellent sports infrastructure, but its maintenance is being neglected. The Punjab government claims to promote sports, but in reality, it is limited to advertisements.

While there is talk of building new stadiums, no concrete steps are taken to maintain existing ones, which is why such a major theft could take place.”

District Sports Officer (DSO) Rupesh Kumar, when contacted, told The Indian Express, “I have taken charge here only recently. The theft had already taken place before my joining. We have written to GMADA to inform them about the incident, and further action now lies with GMADA. We have also written to GMADA regarding the construction of a boundary wall.”