 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Feb 16: In a significant step towards strengthening sports infrastructure in Jammu North, MLA Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma today laid the foundation stone for the construction of a modern cricket playfield at Ward No. 59, Top Paloura (Thatthariyan). The project has received Administrative Approval of Rs 200.00 lakhs under the Capex Budget and has been allotted at a cost of Rs 130.14 lakhs. It will be executed by the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council and is scheduled to be completed within nine months.
The playfield will be developed with proper levelling and grassing of the ground, construction of drainage facilities, boundary fencing, change rooms for players, practice and competition pitches, lighting arrangements, and other essential infrastructure to create a quality sporting facility for local youth. Necessary enabling works will also be undertaken to ensure smooth execution of the project.
Sham Lal Sharma also visited Government Primary School, Thatthariyan, where two additional classrooms are being constructed under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 20.84 lakhs. The new classrooms, along with a verandah, will significantly enhance the learning environment for students. He reviewed the progress at the site and directed concerned officers to ensure timely completion with quality and transparency so that students may benefit at the earliest.
Addressing on the occasion , Sham Lal Sharma stated that sports infrastructure plays a crucial role in channelizing the energy of youth in a positive direction and in nurturing talent at the grassroots level. He emphasized that providing modern facilities in local areas will not only encourage participation in sports but also open pathways for young players to compete at higher levels. He further said that along with sports, continuous improvement in educational and civic infrastructure remains central to his development agenda, aimed at building a progressive, empowered, and self-reliant Jammu North.
Sham Lal Sharma also expressed serious concern over the growing menace of drug abuse among youth and emphasized that strengthening sports infrastructure is a crucial step in combating this social challenge. He stated that constructive engagement through sports, education, and community participation can effectively divert young minds from harmful activities and guide them towards a disciplined and productive life. He called upon parents, teachers, social organizations, and law enforcement agencies to work collectively to eradicate the drug menace and safeguard the future of the younger generation.
Tehsildar Jammu North, XEN Sports Council, along with other sectoral officers, were present during the programme. General Secretary Ravesh Mengi; Parduman Singh; Mandal President Pankaj Padha and Sahil Gupta; Ex-Corporators Ashok Singh Manhas, Kuldeep Singh, Subash Sharma, Surinder Sharma, Uttam Singh Chib, Sunita Gupta, and Rajni Devi were also present with MLA Jammu North on the occasion. |
