Rail Vs Recreation | Baramulla protests proposed railway by means of historic playground

Baramulla, Mar 30: Resentment is brewing among the many individuals of north Kashmir’s Baramulla city after the proposed railway line alignment was marked in Prof Showkat Ali Stadium, one of many oldest playgrounds within the city.

The historic Prof Showkat Ali Stadium in Khoja Bagh Baramulla all the time stays a one-stop vacation spot for the administration, J&Ok Sports activities Council and different companies together with the safety forces to organise the sports activities or cultural occasions of the district.

As per the income papers, the playground is the property of the Authorities Diploma College Baramulla.

The playfield which is a multipurpose stadium for the individuals of Baramulla, stays abuzz with sports activities actions from daybreak to nightfall.

Nonetheless, the marking of alignment by the railway authorities has taken everyone without warning.

On Saturday, the Civil Society Baramulla and the Alumni Affiliation of the GDC Baramulla convened a gathering to chalk out the technique to oppose the transfer by the railway authorities to make method for the railway observe from the bottom.

In 2022, the Union Minister of Residence Affairs, Amit Shah additionally addressed a big gathering of individuals from the identical floor.

Notably, the proposed Baramulla-Uri railway line would move by means of key areas in Baramulla city, Sheeri, Gantmulla, Boniyar, Limber, and Lagama villages earlier than it touches Uri city.

The Baramulla-Uri railway has been already authorised by the Centre and would function an extension of the under-construction Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Hyperlink (USBRL) challenge.

As per the alignment, the proposed railway observe would bisect the college playground within the center.

On Saturday, the Civil Society Baramulla and the Alumni Affiliation of the GDC Baramulla convened a gathering and expressed their apprehensions in regards to the proposed railway observe.

The professors of Authorities Diploma College Baramulla additionally attended the assembly and stated that there was no communication from any quarter relating to the marking of the alignment of the railway observe on the centre of the bottom.

“No consent was taken from us for marking the alignment. However because the information unfold, we approached the railway authorities for it. We have been informed that it was into consideration however nothing has been made remaining as of now. However demarcation of this historic floor for railway observe won’t be accepted,” the college professors stated.

Apart from the playground for outside sports activities actions, the federal government lately constructed an indoor sports activities stadium on the bottom of the playfield.

“This playground has been a platform for gamers who are actually taking part in on the nationwide stage. This floor has hosted national-level matches prior to now,” stated a retired professor Irshad Wani, a senior citizen of Baramulla.

Located on the prime location alongside the Baramulla-Srinagar freeway, this floor was once the centre of attraction for individuals from all walks of life.

“Apart from the college actions, it stays abuzz with different sports activities actions organised by native organisations and safety companies,” he stated.

The audio system through the assembly stated that the playground which had its historic significance must be saved for future generations of the city.

“If the railway authorities go forward with the proposal, it’ll harm the tutorial atmosphere of the college,” the audio system stated through the assembly.

The civil society has already met Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, who has assured them that he would converse to the federal government and prime railway authorities in regards to the subject.

“The DC informed the delegation that they may attempt to get alternate land for the railway observe adjoining to the college floor,” an announcement issued by the civil society stated.