Ranchi, March 21: The Astroturf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi is surrounded with both new as well as matured trees on all sides. As per International Hockey Federation (FIH), presence of trees or vegetation near hockey stadiums can result in absorption of moisture present in soil.
As per the information provided by FIH on their website with regard to guidance of building hockey fields, it states that “Maturing trees, bushes, and other vegetation near a field can be a cause of ground settlement. As trees and other vegetation mature, their demand for water also grows and their root systems will continually expand and draw moisture from the soil beneath the hockey field. If the soils are clay-rich they may shrink as they lose moisture, resulting in settlement of overlying structures.”
The statement further adds that “If trees are removed from a site, consideration must also be given to the potential for the ground to recharge with water and expand, resulting in heave. Generally, the diameter of a tree’s root system is at least as large as the tree’s canopy.”
Rajneesh Kumar, CEO of Hockey Jharkhand spoke to Lagatar24.com and said that presence of trees near a hockey stadium can be a cause of concern.
“Usually, a hockey stadium is preferred to be constructed in the outskirts of the city with no trees around. The reason being if trees are present near the stadium then the leaves and branches may fall on the playing area which can destroy the astroturf. The area around the stadium was not so crowded when the stadium was built,” he said.
The hockey stadium in Ranchi has been out of action as it is under renovation at the moment. The General Secretary of Hockey Jharkhand has said that there have been no plans as of now to cut the trees.
“The presence of trees is not providing any concern to us till now hence we are not planning on cutting it off. The ground has been good and it doesn’t affect the game in any way. The players are satisfied with the ground,” he said.
