Sopore: Minister for Agriculture Production and Rural Development, Javid Ahmad Dar, and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, and Science and Technology, Satish Sharma, on Saturday toured several areas of North Kashmir, including Sopore, Baramulla and Rafiabad, to review sports infrastructure, assess developmental works and interact with local residents and youth.
During the visit, the ministers inspected the Sports Stadium at Hadipora Sopore and reviewed ongoing sports activities and available facilities for local athletes and youth.
The ministers interacted with players, coaches and sports officials and reiterated the government’s commitment towards strengthening sports infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir.
They said development of modern sporting facilities was essential for nurturing talent at the grassroots level and positively engaging youth.
Highlighting the role of sports in youth empowerment and social development, Satish Sharma said the government was focused on creating better opportunities for aspiring athletes by improving infrastructure, providing quality training facilities and ensuring wider participation of youth in sports activities across both urban and rural areas.
The ministers also reviewed the condition of the stadium, playfields and allied facilities and directed the concerned officials to ensure timely upgradation, proper maintenance and effective utilisation of sports infrastructure.
They assured local sportspersons and residents that all genuine issues and demands related to sports facilities in the area would be addressed on priority.
During the tour, Satish Sharma also paid obeisance at Shalkoot Tapyana Sahib Gurdwara and directed the concerned authorities to undertake solarisation of the Gurdwara complex as part of the government’s green energy initiatives.
The ministers also visited several areas, including Zaloora, Gund Brath, Machipora, Hadipora and Shalkoot, where they interacted with residents and reviewed developmental issues and public grievances.
They further toured various areas of the Rafiabad constituency and took stock of ongoing developmental works and civic issues raised by the local population.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards inclusive development, the ministers said sustained efforts were being made to strengthen infrastructure, improve public services and ensure balanced and holistic development across all regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
