By: Sameer Showkin Lone
Shopian: In a major boost to the sports infrastructure, the Jammu and Kashmir government is proposing to construct around 100 playgrounds in restive Shopian district of South Kashmir.
According to sources, as of now, the government has started work on 20 playgrounds in different Panchayat Halqas and 50 are under process pending approval.
The initiative has been taken after a number of youth groups have approached the government demanding sports infrastructure in their areas.
District Development Council (DDC) member for Zainapora and former MLA Wachi Aijaz Ahmed Mir said that it is a very good step as youth in different parts have excelled in sports, but Shopian lacked the requisite infrastructure. “I hope this will give a major fillip to different sports activities in the region,” he said.
Mir also said many youth have started indulging in drug abuse and the cases are increasing “The sports activities will help control the drug abuse and help in reducing stress and depression amongst the youth. We had very less playgrounds in Shopian. A playground can be used for morning and evening strolls as well which will help people to maintain a decent lifestyle and helps in reducing stress.”
He also appealed to the government departments to not shy away from donating piece of land wherever needed for constructing a playground. “In some areas there is a need to cut some walnut trees to make a better playground. The clearances should be done quickly so that the infrastructure is in put in place sooner than later,” he said.
Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Sachin Kumar vaishya told that the district administration has planned to have at least one playground in every Gram Panchayat.
“It could be even more than one in a Gram Panchayat depending upon the availability of land. Presently, we are constructing playgrounds in villages where we have easy availability of land. The identification process in other parts is going on,” he said.
