Don't see any problem arising over Rabindra Sarovar stadium: Goenka

Atletico de Kolkata co-owner Sanjiv Goenka said on Friday he doesnt foresee any problem stemming from environmentalists objecting to Indian Super League (ISL) football matches being held at the Rabindra Sarovar stadium.

The National Green Tribunal last Thursday formed a five-member expert group to inspect the venue following a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that pleaded that night matches should not be organised without proper environmental monitoring.

The team, headed by A.K. Sanyal, is expected to file its report by next week. The matter has again been listed for hearing in the Eastern Bench of the NGT on September 27.

The panel will ascertain the impact the holding of night matches might have on the environmental health and eco-diversity of the Rabindra Sarobar Lake which is part of the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-system (NPCA).

"I don't anticipate any problem. The NGT verdict is something which is not in my jurisdiction and not for me to say," Goenka said here at a press meet on Friday.

"I don't want to sound presumptuous but we do understand environmental issues. We understand what to do. Rest is for ISL organisers to take a call on. The proposal that has been given to us, I don't think there will be any problem."

On the preparedness of the stadium, Goenka said, "The stadium will be completely ready. We understand what is expected of us and we will not be found wanting."

ATK are scheduled to play their first match at the new venue on October 2 against reigning champions Chennaiyin FC.

--IANS

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