The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has voiced serious concern over the rampant misuse of public playgrounds and open spaces in Kashmir, saying that such practices are depriving children and youth of their fundamental right to recreation while inflicting irreversible environmental damage.
In a statement issued here, EPG Convenor Faiz Ahmad Bakshi said that many playgrounds, particularly in Srinagar, are being turned into parking lots, event venues, and commercial spaces in complete disregard of their designated purpose. “Our public grounds are being encroached upon for short-term convenience. Playgrounds are meant for children to play, not for parking, stalls, or social functions. During such events, while the erection of stalls involves digging the ground, vehicles carrying material are seen plying on the ground.
He specifically cited the Bakshi Stadium, originally designed as a premier football ground, which is now being used for cricket matches and non-sporting events, undermining its primary purpose and damaging its turf after Rs 50 crore had been spent for its development and upgradation for use as a Football Ground suitable for hosting top-notch National Football Tournaments. Ironically, every other activity other than Top level National Football tournaments has been held in the ground since its upgradation. The misuse of Bakshi Stadium is symbolic of a larger neglect of already sparse sporting infrastructure. It has been reduced to a multipurpose venue at the cost of football and youth development. It is ironic that having spent huge expenses on its development, nobody owns responsibility,” Bakshi observed.
The EPG convenor also pointed out instances where temporary stalls have occupied the Polo Ground during events such as the Kashmir Marathon, and the S.P. College playground is frequently used as a parking lot, as a result of which its condition has deteriorated to the extent that the ground has become unplayable and many children have suffered injuries. Such encroachments are shrinking the few open spaces left for our children. This alienation from physical activity is one of the factors pushing youth towards drugs and social vices,” he warned.
Bakshi urged the administration to take immediate corrective measures and conduct an inquiry into the repeated misuse of major grounds, including Bakshi Stadium and Polo Ground. “The government must prioritise protection of open spaces. Once the natural ground surface and green cover are destroyed, restoration is nearly impossible,” he said, adding that the damage caused to the heritage lawns of the Kashmir Government Arts Emporium whenever used for events is a glaring example of misuse.
He added that EPG has repeatedly raised the issue at various administrative levels, but regretted the lack of concrete action. “The preservation of playgrounds is not just about sports — it’s about safeguarding the physical, mental, and social health of our community,” Bakshi concluded.
