Rajesh Dhar
JAMMU, July 10: Notwithstanding the tall promises made by the State Government with regard to establishment of sports stadiums in nooks and corners of the State to promote sports and sportspersons, the projects initiated four to five years back to raise sports infrastructure in J&K are yet to be completed.
Sources said, on one hand the foundation stones of sports complexes are being laid off and on in different districts of the State, however, on the other hand, the incomplete sports facilities at various districts are yet to be completed despite lapse of several years.
According to the reliable sources, the construction work of Indoor Complex at Subhash Stadium Udhampur was inaugurated way back on November 16, 2013 by the then Minister for Sports, Taj Mohi-u-Din with an assurance that the complex will be completed in 9 months, adding that four years have passed and the structure is still in pathetic condition, speaking volumes with regard to the functioning of the elitist sports organization of the State, the Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council.
As per the sources, the Government had sanctioned a total of Rs 1 crore and 34 lakhs for construction of this Indoor Complex at Udhampur, the completion of which was expected within 9 months, however, with the lapse of over 4 years, the sanctioned amount hardly seems to be sufficient for this mega project.
“There is hell of difference between the expenses on various projects in 2013 and 2017. That might be the reason as to why the complex has already missed several deadlines,” sources added.
Sources further said that the complex was aimed at catering to the needs of thousands of sportspersons of the area, adding that the same is missing deadlines, time and again, due to the casul approach and jaundiced policies of the concerned authorities.
Meanwhile, in a handout issued by Vice President, District Table Tennis Association, Udhampur, Kumar Tarun has expressed anguish over the delay in construction work of this complex.
He stated that despite protests, reminders and the memorandums submitted to the concerned departments, the State Government is least bothered to complete the construction work of the Complex.
“What is the fun of having any facilities without making it operational or functional,” Tarun expressed.
He sought inquiry in matter with regard to funds used by the concerned agencies.
The present State Government, which is focused to promote sports and games in the State and is striving hard to carve a space on the country’s sports map, should, without any second thought initiative the pending work and complete the Sports Complex at an earliest.
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