Deepak.Yadav@timesofindia.comChandigarh: A survey of around 115 govt schools conducted by the engineering department of the Chandigarh administration has revealed a significant shortage of sports infrastructure across the city.The survey found that nearly 50 govt schools do not have any designated facilities for major sports such as volleyball, basketball, badminton, football or tennis, while another 30 to 40 schools have only one or two such facilities.The survey covered govt high schools (GHS), govt model high schools (GMHS), govt model senior secondary schools (GMSSS) and govt senior secondary schools (GSSS) located in urban sectors, villages and colonies across Chandigarh.Survey Flags Major Infra GapOfficials said only a limited number of schools have facilities for volleyball, football, badminton, basketball or tennis, while very few have infrastructure for more than two sports.Though some schools have facilities for kho-kho and table tennis and a handful have cricket grounds, the survey highlighted the lack of dedicated infrastructure for mainstream sports in most govt schools.The findings have prompted the engineering department to approach the education department for its requirements regarding the creation of sports infrastructure in government schools.Education Dept Yet To Share RequirementsThe engineering department has asked the education department to identify requirements and available space for developing facilities for the five identified sports. The proposal is expected to take into account student interest as well as land availability in different schools.Sources in the Chandigarh administration said multiple departments, including engineering, education and urban planning, are involved in the exercise.“The education department is the parent department where these sports facilities will be created. The engineering department has already written to the education department to share its requirements and discuss related aspects so that further action can be taken. However, no official response has been received so far,” sources said.Urban Planning Dept Also ConsultedThe engineering department has also written to the urban planning department to examine land availability and feasibility for the proposed facilities.The issue of inadequate sports infrastructure in govt schools has remained a longstanding concern. Punjab governor and UT administrator Gulab Chand Kataria has repeatedly emphasised the need to promote sports activities among students and directed officials to strengthen sports infrastructure in educational institutions.Officials said the survey could serve as the groundwork for a larger plan to create sports facilities in govt schools, particularly in institutions where no dedicated infrastructure exists at present.Grounds Being Shared With Sports BodiesThe administration is also exploring ways to maximise the use of existing school grounds through partnerships with sports associations.Under tripartite agreements signed between the education department, sports department and various sports associations, several government school grounds have already been made available for organised sporting activities.The engineering department will be responsible for maintenance of these grounds, while the associations can use them before and after school hours.The UT Cricket Association has been allotted grounds in govt schools located in sectors 19, 23, 26, 32 and 40. The local softball association has been allotted grounds in Sectors 15 and 35, while the football association has been given access to a govt school ground in Sector 38.Officials believe that expanding sports infrastructure and strengthening such collaborations could provide greater opportunities for students to participate in sports and physical activities.Existing Tie-Ups For School GroundsUT Cricket Association: Schools in sectors 19, 23, 26, 32 and 40Softball Association: Schools in sectors 15 and 35Football Association: Govt school in Sector 38Grounds available before and after school hoursEngineering department responsible for maintenanceSchools With No Major Sports FacilityGMHS, Sector 11GMHS, Sector 12GHS, Khuda JassuGMSSS, Sector 27-CGMHS, Sector 41-AGMHS, Sector 40-AGMSSS, Sector 40-BGMHS, Sector 36-DGMSSS, Sector 53GMHS, Sector 38-BNo designated facilities for volleyball, basketball, badminton, football or tennis.Schools With Limited Sports InfraGHS, Sector 37-DGMHS, RC-DhanasGHS, Sector 25-BGMSSS, Sector 38-WestGMHS, MaloyaOnly one designated sports facility, mainly a basketball court.Better-Equipped SchoolsGSSS, Sarangpur: Volleyball, FootballGMSSS, Sector 28-D: Volleyball, Basketball, FootballGMHS, Badheri (Sector 41): Volleyball, Football, TennisGMSSS, Sector 37-B: Volleyball, Basketball, FootballGMSSS, Manimajra: Volleyball, Basketball, BadmintonAmong the few schools with facilities for multiple sports.
