Need transformation of Astabal ground for sports, community centre purposes: Shameema Firdous

Srinagar, Oct 3: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference State Women’s Wing and MLA Habba Kadal Shameema Firdous has expressed optimism that Astabal ground in Chattabal area is soon transformed it into a playground and community center, said a party statement.

She addressed mediapersons saying the ongoing issue surrounding the Astabal Ground in the Chattabal area of Srinagar. She said that in January 2025, she had announced plans to transform the ground into a new sports facility and marriage hall. The project had been approved with a budget of Rs 5 crore, of which Rs 1 crore was allocated from her Constituency Development Fund (CDF).

However, Firdous revealed that the security forces raised objections to the initiative. To resolve the matter, she organized a high-level meeting that included officials from Delhi. "I presented the necessary documentation proving that the land is state-owned," she clarified. "The authorities assured me that the ground would be vacated. Yet, the very next day, they returned and fenced the entire area with barbed wire."

She further emphasised that while the Union Home Minister is ultimately responsible for law and order, she remains steadfast in her efforts to resolve the issue. "Developing this land into a recreational and community space has been a longstanding demand of the local residents."