SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has proposed Rs 1.10 crore for the development and upgradation of Palwan Stadium/playfield in Akhnoor, but the allotment of funds is still under process, according to a reply tabled in the Legislative Assembly.
The Youth Services and Sports Department said the project has been proposed under the 2025-26 CAPEX Plan with an estimated cost of Rs 110 lakh. The work will be taken up after completion of the requisite formalities and availability and allotment of funds.
The proposed works include renovation of the existing pavilion and truss, construction of a cricket competition pitch and a practice pitch, and levelling and improvement of the playing field through the laying of good earth.
The department has proposed taking up the repair, renovation and upgradation of the stadium in a phased manner. Once the work commences, the expected completion period is 18 months.
The government gave the information in response to Starred D.No. 1/6/253 raised by Akhnoor MLA Mohan Lal Bhagat regarding renovation and upgradation of the sports stadium.
The reply also stated that funds for the sports sector in Jammu and Kashmir, including those provided under the Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), are allocated on the basis of several factors.
These include availability of funds, approved priorities under the respective schemes, requirements and gaps in sports infrastructure, the condition of existing facilities, geographical coverage, availability of suitable land, feasibility of execution, ongoing and committed works, and recommendations or approval of the competent authorities.
The department said such funds are used for development, renovation, repair and upgradation of sports infrastructure as well as promotion of sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir.
The Assembly reply includes constituency-wise and scheme-wise details of funds released through the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, the J&K Sports Council and SASCI for the last three financial years.
For Akhnoor, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports released Rs 34.66 lakh under UT CAPEX during 2023-24. The corresponding release under the same head during 2024-25 was Rs 12.41 lakh.
Separately, the J&K Sports Council recorded Rs 25.50 lakh sanctioned and Rs 6.53 lakh released for Akhnoor during 2023-24, with expenditure shown at Rs 6.53 lakh. During 2024-25, the council recorded Rs 1 lakh sanctioned and released for Akhnoor, with expenditure of Rs 50,000.
The department’s broader funding data shows that allocations are not made solely on a constituency basis but also take into account infrastructure requirements, existing facilities, land availability, project feasibility and ongoing commitments.
The proposed Palwan Stadium project, however, remains at the pre-execution stage, with the government stating that the work will commence only after the necessary formalities are completed and funds are allotted.
