Srinagar, June 25: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir 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 involving government institutions, educational establishments, civil society organisations and local communities. The Group 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.
The Environmental Policy Group 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.
EPG also appreciated the successful organisation of major sporting events in Jammu & Kashmir, including the National Games and the recently concluded Alfa Hockey Inter-School Tournament 2026 at the Synthetic Hockey Astro Turf, Polo Ground, Srinagar.
According to EPG, these events have demonstrated the enormous sporting potential of the youth and generated renewed enthusiasm among students to pursue sports as both a career and a healthy way of life.
However, the Group expressed concern that grassroots sports infrastructure has not kept pace with the growing aspirations of the youth. It pointed out that several playgrounds and sports complexes across the Valley continue to suffer from neglect, inadequate maintenance and deteriorating infrastructure, limiting their effective utilisation.
Highlighting one such example, the Environmental Policy Group 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. It added that similar conditions prevail at several other public playgrounds and sports facilities across the Union Territory.
The Group also voiced concern over the shrinking availability of open recreational spaces in rapidly urbanising areas. It stressed that existing playgrounds and sports assets must be protected against encroachment, diversion or conversion for non-sporting purposes. It further emphasised that nationally significant sports venues, including Polo Ground, constitute invaluable public assets whose sporting character must remain protected for future generations.
Among its recommendations, the Environmental Policy Group urged the Lieutenant Governor to direct a comprehensive audit and mapping of all sports infrastructure, playgrounds and recreational spaces across Jammu & Kashmir; 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 their regular maintenance and scientific management.
The Environmental Policy Group stated that strengthening sports infrastructure would not only nurture sporting excellence but would also play a vital role in building a healthier, more disciplined and socially responsible generation. It added that protecting and expanding sports facilities would directly reinforce 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 the concerned departments for taking timely and effective action on the matter, describing the preservation and expansion of sports infrastructure as an issue of significant public importance with far-reaching social and developmental benefits.
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