The Jammu and Kashmir government has reported significant progress in its initiative to establish playfields in rural areas, with 221 out of 355 gram panchayats now equipped with sports facilities, either existing or newly developed. This update was shared with the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday by Satish Sharma, the Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology. The information was provided in response to a query from MLA GA Mir concerning the state of sports infrastructure within the Dooru constituency.
As per information available with Tahir Rihat, the Minister detailed that the Rural Development Department’s data indicates 221 gram panchayats have playfields under the ‘One Panchayat-One Playfield’ initiative. Focusing on the Dooru constituency, Sharma informed the Assembly that 37 of its 66 gram panchayats currently possess playfields. The Youth Services and Sports Department has been actively involved in enhancing sports infrastructure in Dooru over the past three years, undertaking two major playfield projects. One such project, located at Larkipora near ADV Road, Bathuno, commenced in the 2024-25 fiscal year with an allocated cost of Rs 48.55 lakh and has reached approximately 90 percent completion. Another playfield is slated for development at Shangren, sanctioned as a new project for the 2026-27 period with an estimated expenditure of Rs 80 lakh.
Further elaborating on broader district-level developments, Sharma stated that 26 playfield sites across Anantnag district have received approval under the Annual Action Plan for 2026-27, facilitated by the VB-G RAM-G programme. The Revenue Department has been instrumental in making suitable government land available for these projects. The Minister emphasized that the undertaking of sports infrastructure projects is contingent upon ensuring the availability of encumbrance-free land, the completion of all land-transfer formalities, and the secured availability of necessary funds. The strengthening of sports infrastructure in the Dooru constituency is also being bolstered through coordinated efforts by the J&K Sports Council and the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports.
The existing Sports Stadium at Dooru is equipped with essential facilities, including a change-room-cum-pavilion, a cricket competition pitch, practice nets, chain-link fencing, a main gate, and dugouts. In parallel, the playfield at Verinag is undergoing development to incorporate similar amenities, including a mechanical roller. The J&K Sports Council is actively involved in the maintenance of the playfield at Qammar, Shahabad. Additionally, facilities at Bhai Bachoo Hiller are being upgraded, with plans to include a cricket pitch, practice nets, and fencing. The government is also considering a proposal for the comprehensive upgradation of the Dooru Sports Stadium, with an estimated project cost of Rs 10.36 crore currently under review.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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