Lasjan playing field puts question mark on SSC working

ABID KHAN

Srinagar, Apr 8: The pathetic condition of only playing field in Lasjan area on outskirts of city puts question mark over the working of State Sports Council.
 The playing field, near bye pass bridge is only ground for players of Athawajan, Lasjan, Pandrethan, Pantha Chowk, Mehjoor Nagar and Padshahi Bagh. But the field remains submerged in water for most part of the year and only one part remain dry in June, July and August. 
 Silver Star Football Club and Friends Club are some of the popular teams of the area who practice in the ground.
 “As major portion of the field remains water logged for most part of the year, teams have to wait for their turn to practice here,” said, Muneer Ahmad, a player.
 He blamed sewerage drain that empties into the field. “The sewerage drain of the adjoining areas empties into the filed. Even watchman hut of Sports Council remains submerged,” he said.
 Cricket players are the worst sufferers due to the condition of the field.
“We are never able to play or hold any tournament in the field. Only some football matches are played here during summer months,” said a local cricketer, Adil Hussain.
 “Playing area is very big and if given due attention, it can become one of the finest playing fields of the valley. Even SSC has not been able to maintain the area where they have built watchman hut. What will they do to whole field?” he asked.
 An official of the SSC on the condition of the anonymity said that not a single penny has been spent on the ground in the last few years for maintenance.
 Sports Officer Kashmir, MS Baba admitted that the condition of the ground was pathetic. 
 “The stadium is in low lying area and sewerage drains of the adjacent localities that directly flow in it make things worse. Those drains never allow field to get dry and even our Chowkidaar hut remain flooded. The field is only playable for football as the side where cricket matches are played always remain submerged,” he said.
 Asked why SSC has been unable to maintain the field, he said, “ In next few days, we will start earth filling. But that is a short-term remedy. For long-term action the big plan is needed.”

published in greater kashmir on april 9 -2009.link: http://www.greaterkashmir.com/full_story.asp?Date=9_4_2009&ItemID=2&cat=4