Calls SP College ground revival a priority
SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to initiate a comprehensive programme for the preservation, restoration, upgradation, and expansion of sports infrastructure, playgrounds, and public recreational spaces across the Union Territory, describing sports as a vital pillar of youth development and drug prevention.
In a representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi lauded his leadership in transforming the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign into a mass movement and stated that the campaign has rightly recognised that combating substance abuse requires not only enforcement and awareness but also meaningful opportunities that positively engage young people.
Sports as an Instrument of Youth Empowerment
The EPG observed that sports remain one of the most effective instruments for youth empowerment by promoting physical fitness, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and social cohesion, while significantly reducing the vulnerability of young people to drug abuse and other social challenges. Investment in sports infrastructure, it said, is a long-term investment in human development, public health, and social stability.
Concern Over Deteriorating Infrastructure
The Group appreciated the successful organisation of major sporting events in J&K, including the National Games and the recently concluded Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026, which have demonstrated the enormous sporting potential of youth. However, it expressed concern that grassroots sports infrastructure has not kept pace with growing aspirations, with several playgrounds and sports complexes suffering from neglect and inadequate maintenance.
Historic SP College Ground in Focus
Highlighting a specific example, the EPG said the historic sports ground of Government SP College, Srinagar, which had served generations of students and athletes, has gradually fallen into neglect and requires urgent restoration, modernisation, and proper maintenance. Similar conditions prevail at several other public playgrounds and sports facilities across the UT. The Group also voiced concern over the shrinking availability of open recreational spaces in rapidly urbanising areas and stressed that nationally significant sports venues, including Polo Ground, must be protected from encroachment or conversion for non-sporting purposes.
Key Recommendations
Among its recommendations, the EPG urged the Lieutenant Governor to: direct a comprehensive audit and mapping of all sports infrastructure across J&K; restore, renovate, and modernise neglected sports facilities; accord priority to the revival of the Government SP College sports ground; ensure strict protection of playgrounds from encroachment and diversion; preserve the sporting character of Polo Ground and other dedicated sports venues; establish additional playgrounds, indoor sports complexes, and recreational parks in urban and semi-urban areas; formulate a long-term policy for preservation and expansion of sports infrastructure; and provide dedicated financial resources for regular maintenance and scientific management.
The EPG stated that strengthening sports infrastructure would nurture sporting excellence and build a healthier, more disciplined, and socially responsible generation, directly reinforcing the objectives of the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign by providing youth with constructive avenues to channel their energy, talent, and aspirations. The Group expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would issue appropriate directions to concerned departments for timely and effective action.