Himachal will have the world’s highest cricket stadium at altitude of 10,000ft above sea level at Sissu in Himachal’s Lahaul valley as formalities regarding land transfer and other paper works are in the final stage.
Unlike other cricket grounds, this stadium next to Atal tunnel will be built after raising funds from local tribals. Initially, the ground will have a capacity to accommodate 10 thousand spectators. Location and design of the stadium have been finalised. The Lahaul Spiti Cricket Association (LSCA) is pushing hard to turn the dream into reality since 2013. The 38 bigha land has been demarcated by forest and revenue departments and the file will now be sent for FCA clearance.
LSCA president Surender Thakur said association is waiting for letter of intent from the government to proceed with the further formalities. “After the nod from government, forest department will forward the file for FCA clearance and the construction work will begin immediately after clearance. Local administration, panchayat and all the residents of the district are looking forward to host the cricket match at world’s highest stadium,” he said.
Thakur added that a few days back a delegation from LSCA including him, general secretary Tenzin Karpa, joint secretary Sanjay Yarpa, members Ashok Bata and Virender Thakur met with cabinet minister Ram Lal Markanda who himself wants to be involved in the project. “Minister said he is doing his level best for early completion of the stadium. All of us are waiting for formalities of FCA.”
At present Chail cricket ground is highest in the world at 8,000ft. This ground in Chail in Shimla district was established by Patiala’s Maharaja Bhupinder Singh in 1893. Established n 2003, the Dharamshala cricket ground is at altitude of 4,780ft. Lahaul cricket ground at 10,000ft will be a new attraction at Sissu, about 7km from north portal of Atal tunnel. Sissu has emerged as a famous tourist destination of Lahaul after opening of Atal tunnel.
According to members of the LSCA, playing cricket in grounds in India becomes very difficult in summer time due to high temperature and rain. “Although Sissu cricket ground will remain shut in winter season after snowfall, playing cricket between May and October will be a pleasant experience when temperature remains pleasantly between 15 and 25 degrees C. Being almost rain shadow area, Lahaul receive very less rain. This ground will definitely become a haven for the sports lovers,” Surender Thakur said.
Cabinet minister Ram Lal Markanda said Himachal government will do all possible help of LSCA in establishing this cricket ground. “The officials of the associations have met me. I have assured of the possible help. Once completed, this will become the world’s highest cricket ground and will definitely boost tourism,” he said.
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