Vikramaditya
Port Blair, June 02: On one hand, the authorities make big claims about promoting sports but on the other hand, many fields that were meant for sports have been occupied by various agencies. Once famous Chandmari Ground has now been converted into Joggers’ Park. At Chakragaon, there was a good playground, where now authorities have built police quarters. The famous police ground was taken away by wasteful structures of ITF. There are over a dozen examples where buildings have been built over old playgrounds in city.
The youths of Andaman and Nicobar Islands now request the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to take a tour of city and earmark some areas for playgrounds.
Revenue lands in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands contribute to nearly 15% of land in the whole UT. If all the vacant government lands are occupied like this and buildings are constructed over those lands, then these Islands will soon be reduced to a concrete jungle. That would mark the extinction of any and all playgrounds for the coming generation.
Talking to Andaman Sheekha Mr. Someshwar Rao, who is the counsellor from Ward No. 2 said that if there are no grounds in a place, the youths are at risk of being captivated by drugs like ganja.
“The youths do not have a steady source of entertainment and that is why the start seeking it at places that put them at high risk of being involved with unruly activities. If they are provided with proper playgrounds, at least they will have a positive source of diversion in their life. And that will keep them away from getting involved in drugs,” he said.
Speaking on a positive note, he suggested that there should be playgrounds, no matter the size, in all wards. These grounds, he suggests, would help in keeping the kids and youths busy and might help in their overall development.
Senior Vice Chairperson of PBMC, Protima Banerjee told Andaman Sheekha that there are many projects (under smart city) which are being undertaken currently and some include development of playgrounds.
In addition to this, she added that there are many grounds inside various school campuses that are used only during the day time, which can be opened for youths at night.
According to her this would result in the overall utilization of the grounds. Applying this to each and every ground, she feels, would exercise 360 degree usage of play grounds.
Keeping youths busy in constructive things is the responsibility of every society. In Andaman if nothing is done in this regard more and more youths will surely go towards the dark world of addiction. In a place like Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where things happens only after LG or CS’s directions, youths can only hope that the Lt. Governor and Chief Secretary will look into this matter seriously.
