EPG Urges LG to Preserve, Expand Sports Infrastructure Across J&K

Calls for restoration of SP College ground, protection of Polo Ground and creation of new sports facilities to support anti-drug campaign

Srinagar, June 24: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to launch a comprehensive programme for the preservation, restoration, upgradation and expansion of sports infrastructure, playgrounds and public recreational spaces across Jammu and Kashmir, describing sports as a crucial instrument for youth development and drug prevention.

In a representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi commended his efforts in transforming the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign into a mass movement involving government institutions, educational establishments, civil society organisations and local communities.

The Group said the anti-drug campaign has rightly recognised that addressing substance abuse requires not only enforcement and awareness measures but also meaningful opportunities that positively engage young people.

According to EPG, sports remain among the most effective tools for empowering youth by promoting physical fitness, discipline, leadership, teamwork and social cohesion, while reducing vulnerability to drug abuse and other social challenges. It said investment in sports infrastructure constitutes a long-term investment in human development, public health and social stability.

The organisation also appreciated the successful conduct of major sporting events in Jammu and Kashmir, including the National Games and the recently concluded Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf, Polo Ground, Srinagar. These events, it said, have demonstrated the sporting potential of local youth and encouraged students to pursue sports both as a career and as a healthy lifestyle choice.

However, EPG expressed concern that grassroots sports infrastructure has not kept pace with the aspirations of young people. It said several playgrounds and sports complexes across the Valley continue to suffer from neglect, inadequate maintenance and deteriorating infrastructure, limiting their effective use.

Highlighting the condition of the sports ground at Government SP College, Srinagar, the Group said the historic facility, which has served generations of students and athletes, requires urgent restoration, modernisation and proper maintenance. It added that similar conditions prevail at many other public playgrounds and sports facilities across the Union Territory.

EPG also raised concerns over the shrinking availability of open recreational spaces in rapidly urbanising areas. It stressed that existing playgrounds and sports assets should be protected from encroachment, diversion or conversion for non-sporting purposes.

The Group emphasised that nationally significant sports venues, including Polo Ground, are invaluable public assets whose sporting character must be preserved for future generations.

Among its recommendations, EPG sought a comprehensive audit and mapping of sports infrastructure and recreational spaces across Jammu and Kashmir, restoration and modernisation of neglected facilities, priority attention to the revival of the Government SP College sports ground, protection of playgrounds from encroachment, preservation of Polo Ground’s sporting character, establishment of additional playgrounds, indoor sports complexes and recreational parks, formulation of a long-term policy for sports infrastructure development and allocation of dedicated funds for regular maintenance and scientific management.

The organisation said strengthening sports infrastructure would not only promote sporting excellence but also help build a healthier, more disciplined and socially responsible generation, while reinforcing the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign by providing youth with constructive avenues to channel their energy, talent and aspirations.

EPG expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would issue directions to the concerned departments for timely action, describing the preservation and expansion of sports infrastructure as an issue of significant public importance with far-reaching social and developmental benefits.