Srinagar, Feb 5: The Director General (DG) of Youth Services and Sports (YSS) J&K, Rajinder Singh Tara, along with a team of senior officers, Wednesday conducted an extensive tour of Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Srinagar districts to assess the progress of ongoing sports infrastructure projects.
The visit aimed to ensure the timely completion of these facilities, which are set to significantly enhance sports development in the region. During his visit to Anantnag, Tara inspected the construction of the District Youth Services and Sports Office building, which is being developed at a project cost of Rs. 138.00 lakh. Out of the allocated Rs. 97.50 lakh, Rs. 44.80 lakh has been released so far. The project, executed by the Public Works Department (PWD) Anantnag, is progressing steadily. The DG directed the concerned District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) to ensure the project is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
DG YSS also visited the proposed site for the construction of a hostel in Jablipora, Bijbehara, where land transfer is under consideration. The concerned Tehsildar and officials from the Revenue Department were present during the inspection. The DG instructed the DYSSO to expedite the land transfer process with the Tehsildar to facilitate the project’s commencement.
In Khimber, DG reviewed the construction of an open playfield, which includes levelling, fencing, and a gate. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 168.48 lakh, has already incurred Rs. 128.35 lakh as of March 2024. For the current fiscal year, Rs. 16.00 lakh out of the approved Rs. 20.00 lakh under the Capex Budget 2024-25 has been released. The remaining work is expected to be completed by March 2025.
At the Government College of Physical Education (GCOPE) in Ganderbal, Tara inspected the construction of a Synthetic Athletic Track and a Synthetic Football Field. The athletic track, costing Rs. 582.00 lakh, and the football field, costing Rs. 478.00 lakh, are both 90% complete. These projects, executed by the Engineering Wing of the J&K Sports Council, are progressing at a rapid pace. The DG also reviewed other ongoing projects at GCOPE with the Executive Engineer of the J&K Sports Council. In Srinagar, the DG visited the Sports Complex at Wazir Bagh to check the status of ongoing works, including the construction of a Youth Hostel, a conference hall, a warden office, and the repair and renovation of three rooms in the Directorate office. He emphasized the importance of completing these projects on time to provide better facilities for athletes and youth in general.
Rajinder Singh Tara was accompanied by the Joint Director Kashmir YS&S, the Executive Engineer of the Sports Council, the Accounts Officer of YS&S, District Youth Services and Sports Officers of all the three districts, the Planning Officer, and other field officers from the Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K. The DG expressed satisfaction with the progress of the projects and reiterated the Department’s commitment to developing state-of-the-art modern sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. He urged all stakeholders to work diligently to ensure the timely completion of these facilities, which will play a crucial role in nurturing young talent and promoting sports in the region.
