Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah clarified that the proposed international cricket stadium in Bajalta, Jammu, was an initiative of the Jammu & Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA), not a state government project.
This statement contradicts the fact that the foundation stone was laid during his tenure in 2012.
The current Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, confirmed the state government had not, to date, proposed such a stadium.
Government Commitments and Project Updates:
- Despite this, Abdullah stated the government’s commitment to developing administrative units established during his previous term.
- Regarding the stalled mini secretariat in Dooru, Anantnag, construction halted due to increased cost estimates and the need for a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR). The new DPR needs to be reevaluated based on updated Schedule of Rates(SoRs).
- Minister Sharma provided updates on Khelo India Scheme projects, highlighting that:
- Two synthetic hockey turfs in Srinagar and Jammu are complete and operational.
- A synthetic athletic track in Baramulla and an indoor sports hall in Budgam are still under construction.
- Also, there is news that there is a proposal to construct an international-standard cricket stadium in Hiranagar, Jammu, that the J&K government is considering.
