SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Jammu and Kashmir Government to protect Srinagar’s existing sports grounds and open spaces from encroachment, fragmentation and diversion, warning that the proposed Sangarmal–Rajbagh bridge/flyover could adversely affect the historic Polo Ground.
In a communication to Youth Services, Sports and Food & Supplies Minister Satish Sharma, the group sought a comprehensive policy to safeguard sports grounds, playgrounds and public open and green spaces across Jammu and Kashmir.
EPG said the issue had assumed greater importance amid the growing problem of drug addiction among young people, arguing that accessible sports facilities provide vital spaces for physical activity, discipline and constructive engagement.
It raised particular concern over the future of Polo Ground and the S.P. College Sports Ground, saying existing sporting infrastructure should not be treated merely as government land available for other development purposes.
On the Sangarmal–Rajbagh project, EPG sought a comprehensive review of the proposed alignment and an assessment of its impact on Polo Ground. It said the ground, which has served Srinagar for decades, supports hockey, football, rugby and athletics and remains one of the few major open and green spaces in central Srinagar.
The group warned that reducing or fragmenting the functional area of Polo Ground could permanently diminish its sporting, recreational and environmental value. It also flagged potential consequences for the urban environment, including worsening air pollution in an already congested part of the city.
EPG has sought an expert assessment of whether the Sangarmal–Rajbagh project is necessary in its present form, particularly in view of the Dalgate–Parimpora flyover/bridge project, which it said has been approved for funding by the Central Government.
It also asked the authorities to publicly disclose the exact extent of Polo Ground land proposed to be utilised, including the permanent and temporary construction footprint and any impact on the heritage Polo View shops.
The group called for an independent assessment of the project’s sporting, recreational, environmental, heritage and social implications before any irreversible intervention is undertaken. It further sought consultations with sports bodies, urban planners, environmental experts and other stakeholders before altering the ground.
EPG said the Government’s efforts to promote sports should go beyond creating new infrastructure and include maintaining and upgrading existing sports complexes, playgrounds and open spaces.
“Every available sports and recreational space becomes more important when the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are facing the growing challenge of drug addiction. We need more grounds, more playgrounds and more accessible recreational spaces—not fewer,” the group said.
The organisation clarified that it was not opposed to infrastructure development or improved connectivity, but argued that such projects should follow sustainable urban-planning principles and examine alternative designs and alignments wherever existing public sporting or environmental assets are at risk.
EPG urged the Government to ensure that no irreversible intervention affecting the sporting utility, open character or heritage value of Polo Ground is allowed until viable alternatives and the project’s wider environmental and social implications have been examined.
