Srinagar, June 25: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, to launch a comprehensive programme for the preservation, restoration, upgradation, and expansion of sports infrastructure, playgrounds, and public recreational spaces across the Union Territory, calling sports a key pillar of youth development and drug prevention.

In a representation submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi praised his leadership in turning the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign into a mass movement involving government institutions, educational bodies, civil society groups, and local communities. The group said the initiative rightly recognises that tackling substance abuse requires not only enforcement and awareness, but also meaningful opportunities to engage youth in positive activities.
EPG noted that sports are among the most effective tools for youth empowerment, fostering physical fitness, discipline, leadership, teamwork, and social cohesion, while reducing vulnerability to drug abuse and other social issues. It said investment in sports infrastructure is a long-term investment in human development, public health, and social stability.
The group also appreciated the successful hosting 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. It said such events highlight the sporting potential of youth and encourage students to pursue sports as a career and healthy lifestyle.
However, EPG expressed concern that grassroots sports infrastructure has not kept pace with rising youth aspirations. It said several playgrounds and sports complexes across the Valley suffer from neglect, poor maintenance, and deteriorating facilities, limiting their use.
Citing the example of the Government SP College sports ground in Srinagar, the group said the historic facility, once a hub for student athletes, has fallen into neglect and requires urgent restoration and modernisation. It added that similar conditions exist in several other public sports spaces across the Union Territory.
EPG also flagged the shrinking availability of open recreational spaces in rapidly urbanising areas, stressing that existing playgrounds must be protected from encroachment, diversion, or non-sporting use. It emphasised that major venues such as Polo Ground should retain their sporting character for future generations.
Among its recommendations, the group called for a comprehensive audit and mapping of all sports infrastructure, restoration and modernisation of neglected facilities, revival of the SP College ground, protection of playgrounds from encroachment, preservation of key sports venues, development of new playgrounds and indoor complexes in urban and semi-urban areas, a long-term infrastructure policy, and dedicated funding for maintenance and management.
EPG said strengthening sports infrastructure would help nurture sporting talent and build a healthier, more disciplined, and socially responsible generation. It added that such efforts would also support the objectives of the “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign by providing constructive outlets for youth energy and aspirations.
The group expressed hope that the Lieutenant Governor would issue necessary directions to concerned departments for timely action, calling the issue one of significant public importance with long-term social and developmental impact.