Players decry official apathy
Srinagar: The Gani Memorial stadium situated right in the heart of the old city’s Rajouri Kadal mocks at the indifference of the government. The sprawling stadium is filled with garbage and filth, and a major area of it remains submerged in rainwater for most part of the year.
The condition of the biggest stadium in this part of city is so deplorable that adjacent residents don’t allow their children to play in it. From water logging to uneven field, the Stadium has all the shortcomings.
Throughout the year, water flowing from adjacent drains gets accumulated in the Stadium. The slight drizzle makes situation worse as the stadium lacks drainage system.
As lack of drainage system was not enough the outfield is so uneven that no professional footballer, cricketer or athlete will ever play here. Due to its unplayable outfield from last one and half year, no tournament has been organized. Most of the spectators stands have been were damaged.
When CNS contacted Nuzhat Gul Secretary of Sports Council in this regard, she said, “Necessary action will be taken for the improvement of the stadium” she assured.
“Wherever the condition of the sports grounds is deplorable, it should be brought into her notice so that necessary action must be taken” she informed.
She also warned the people of dire consequences who are defacing the collective property for the welfare of the youth.
Meanwhile she also said that youth opting for the sports are choosing it by neglecting the wrong ways like the Drug addiction.
She assured that the grounds of the valley will be set as per the international standard to provide the opportunity to the youth for playing the international format.
Shepherds currently use the Stadium as grazing field. Throughout the day, one can see animals inside stadium. Players blame Sports Council authorities for the miserable condition of the Stadium.
“The outfield is uneven and there is wild grass all around it. The condition of centre turf has deteriorated because the Council officials never bother to repair it. Usually two to three cricket tournaments were held in the Stadium each year, but due to damaged turf, none could be organized since last two years” they said.
More ever Irfan Ahmad one of the cricket players while talking to CNS said that the outer area of the stadium has been turned into a garbage dumping site and the lighting system is completely defunct. (CNS)