Lakshika Sahu, Raipur. Local players and sports lovers today protested against the commercial use of the Grass Memorial Ground located at Akashvani Chowk in the capital Raipur. Various types of programs and fairs are organized from time to time on this ground situated amidst the densely populated area of the city. Due to which players of various sports who practice here in the morning and evening, sports lovers as well as the common people who come for daily walk are facing a lot of problems.
Angered by the organization of fairs at the Grass Memorial Ground, the players today protested at the ground with slogans of “Return the field to the players, stop commercialization” and also tried to stop the ongoing arrangements for the upcoming fair. Along with this, a demand was made that the sports grounds should be kept away from commercialization so that the players do not face the problem of playing fields. The current players said that there is a shortage of playing fields. Today’s youth spend most of their time on mobile phones, but there are some youth who still want to play on the field. The field is important for them.
The protesting players said that during the previous government, applications had already been given to the administration in this regard, after which such activities were banned for 6 months, but after the change of government, the situation became the same as before. Assurances are given but no action is taken. Players said that today a memorandum will be submitted to the Raipur Collector and if a proper hearing is not held then they will protest against the Sports Minister.
Let us tell you that keeping in mind the shortage of grounds for players in the capital, the administration had imposed a ban on holding any event including a fair at the Gauss Memorial Ground one and a half years ago, which has now been lifted. Recently the administration has given permission for a fair on this ground, which will last for a month. Preparations for organizing the fair have also started, which means that players will not be able to do sports related activities here for a month. Not only this, with the lifting of the ban, the way for continuous programs was also cleared here.
Raipurians facing shortage of grounds in the capital
It is noteworthy that at present BTI Shankarnagar and Gas Memorial Ground are the only two big grounds in the capital Raipur where games can be held. A few years ago, due to the demand of the players, events were banned at the Gass Memorial. Due to this ban, the players got a lot of relief, but then the events started getting permission again. Due to its location in the center of the city, this ground is in great demand among socio-political organizations, hence it is believed that only events will be held here and sports related activities will almost end. Apart from this ground, BTI Ground Shankarnagar was also reserved for sports, but all types of programs are being allowed here too. Apart from sports, social, political and religious programs are taking place here.
Apart from these stadiums, there is Subhash Stadium and Sapre School ground nearby, but there are so many players practicing there that there is no space left for the rest. The size of Sapre School ground has reduced to half due to various types of construction. There is no ground nearby, so there is a crowd of dozens of children on this ground. Apart from these, some other school grounds including Government School, where children used to play, have become smaller due to construction of school building and allotment of land for road.
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