DC approves construction of 66 more model playgrounds, 39 parks in Jalandhar villages

Move aims at promoting sports culture at grassroots: Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal

Says, sports culture flourishing in state to keep youth away from drugs

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal

Jalandhar, April 15: (The Hind Canadian Times) : In a major push to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure and foster a healthy lifestyle among rural youth, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal has sanctioned the construction of 66 model playgrounds and 39 parks in various villages of Jalandhar district. The initiative, part of the second phase of the district’s rural development plan, will be undertaken at a total outlay of Rs. 376.18 lakh.

Dr. Aggarwal said the move aligns with the Punjab Government’s vision, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to steer the state towards a drug-free and vibrant "Rangla Punjab." He emphasized that providing world-class sports infrastructure at the village level is a key step to engage youth in positive activities and discourage them from falling prey to drug abuse.

Under Phase I of the project, the District Administration had already approved the construction of 98 model playgrounds at a cost of Rs. 3.18 crore and 107 parks at Rs. 2.40 crore. The second phase continues this momentum, with 66 new model playgrounds approved across multiple blocks including 20 in Bhogpur, 12 in Noormahal, 11 in Shahkot, 8 in Rurka Kalan, 6 each in Jalandhar East and Lohian Khas, and 3 in Jalandhar West, costing Rs. 277.31 lakh.

These sports grounds will be developed with modern infrastructure and tailored to the sporting interests of the local youth. "Our focus is to provide young people with the right environment to train and grow as athletes. This will also serve as a tool for community building," Dr. Aggarwal said.

Simultaneously, 39 parks will be developed in blocks including Nakodar (13), Noormahal (10), Shahkot (5), Jalandhar West (4), Lohian Khas (4), and Bhogpur (3), with an investment of Rs. 98.87 lakh. These parks will enhance the quality of life in rural areas by offering green and accessible recreational spaces.

The DC also highlighted the employment potential of the initiative, stating that over 69,845 mandays of work will be generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), providing livelihood opportunities to hundreds of rural residents.