For over 70 years, the Rawathpora playground in Srinagar has been a cherished hub for Jammu and Kashmir’s youth, fostering fitness, community, and resilience. This 70-year-old space, like others in Kupwara and Baramulla, offers a vital outlet for young people in a region grappling with unemployment and social challenges. Yet, proposals to repurpose parts of Rawathpora for a Police Martyrs’ building threaten this legacy, sparking debate over balancing infrastructure with recreational needs.
Infrastructure is critical for Jammu and Kashmir’s border regions, where poor connectivity and limited facilities deepen isolation. Projects honoring martyrs or enhancing security, as seen in recent anti-encroachment drives, aim to reclaim public lands and boost development. The Enforcement Directorate’s raids in Jammu exposed land mafias grabbing thousands of kanals in areas like Asarwan, highlighting the potential to repurpose illegally held plots for public use. With post-2019 reorganization pushing industrial and urban growth, such initiatives could uplift neglected communities.
However, sacrificing playgrounds like Rawathpora risks alienating youth. Spaces like Baghat Barzulla, also 70 years old, show how vital they are for mental and physical health, curbing issues like drug abuse. Opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party, argue that converting recreational areas disregards community needs. Recent controversies, like felling 1,000 trees in Baramulla’s Sonium Lalpora for a new playground, underscore the irony of destroying green spaces to create others. Why not reclaim mafia-seized lands instead?
The government must prioritize balance. Transparent consultations and alternative sites for infrastructure, paired with upgrading playgrounds under schemes like Khelo India, can preserve Rawathpora’s role. Stronger police action against land grabbers, as seen in recent ED efforts, could free ample land without touching community assets. Playgrounds are investments in youth, not luxuries. Jammu and Kashmir can build progress without stealing the joy of play.
