Uttarakhand Announces Mini Stadiums in Every Block to Promote Sports
In a significant move to enhance sports development in the hill state, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami informed the Uttarakhand assembly on Wednesday that mini stadiums will be constructed in every block across the state. This initiative aims to foster athletic talent and provide better facilities in remote and hilly regions, addressing the need for improved sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Budget Provisions and Infrastructure Expansion
The state government has included provisions in the budget for the construction of these mini stadiums, as confirmed by Chief Minister Dhami. Sports Minister Rekha Arya elaborated on the government's intensified efforts to expand sports infrastructure, particularly following the successful hosting of the 38th National Games in 2025. She highlighted that Uttarakhand achieved its best-ever performance at the event, securing 103 medals, which has motivated the administration to build on this success.
Under the newly formulated Legacy Policy, the government plans to utilize the existing sports infrastructure as training academies, with action already underway at the governmental level. This policy is designed to ensure that the facilities developed for the National Games continue to benefit local athletes and communities long-term.
Specific Land and Financial Requirements
Minister Arya provided detailed specifications for the new sports facilities, outlining clear land and financial requirements to ensure effective implementation. For a Khel Maidan, at least 0.5 acres of land is required in the hills and 1.18 acres in the plains, with a budget allocation of Rs 42.5 lakh for each centre. For a mini stadium, the requirements are more substantial: 1.18 acres of land in the hills and 2.37 acres in the plains, with Rs 1.70 crore allocated for the construction of each facility.
These measures are intended to standardize the development process and ensure that the facilities are adequately equipped to support various sports activities, catering to the diverse geographical conditions of Uttarakhand.
Maintenance Concerns Raised by MLAs
During the Question Hour, concerns about the maintenance of these sports grounds were raised by BJP MLA Mahesh Jeena from Salt and Independent MLA Umesh Kumar from Khanpur. Jeena inquired about provisions for upkeep, while Kumar highlighted a specific issue, stating that a mini stadium in his constituency had become a "picture of neglect," underscoring the need for sustained care post-construction.
In response, Sports Minister Arya acknowledged that there is currently no separate fund earmarked for the maintenance of Khel Maidans and mini stadiums. She explained that district authorities are responsible for the upkeep, and fees collected from organizers hosting sports events at these grounds are utilized to cover maintenance expenses. This approach aims to create a self-sustaining model, though it has raised questions about long-term viability and resource allocation.
Broader Impact and Future Prospects
The announcement by Chief Minister Dhami and the detailed plans from Minister Arya reflect a concerted effort to boost sports culture in Uttarakhand, particularly in underserved areas. By investing in mini stadiums and Khel Maidans, the government hopes to nurture local talent, improve health and fitness among residents, and potentially produce more medal-winning athletes for future competitions.
This initiative aligns with broader national goals of promoting sports at the grassroots level and could serve as a model for other states with similar geographical challenges. As implementation progresses, monitoring the maintenance and usage of these facilities will be crucial to ensure they achieve their intended purpose of transforming sports in Uttarakhand's hills and remote regions.
