By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: In a move to nurture rural talent and promote sports at the grassroots level, the Bihar government has unveiled a comprehensive plan to build playgrounds in every panchayat of the state. The project, initiated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), aims to provide state-of-the-art sports facilities to rural youth, creating opportunities for personal and professional development.
Vision for Rural Sports Development
The initiative reflects Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision to transform rural areas into hubs of sporting activity. Panchayati Raj Minister Kedar Gupta emphasised that these playgrounds would not only serve as training grounds for budding athletes but also help aspirants prepare for police and military jobs by providing running tracks and other essential facilities locally.
The playgrounds will cater to a variety of sports, including basketball, volleyball, badminton, football, kabaddi, kho-kho, and athletics. These amenities are expected to inspire rural youth to pursue sports and physical fitness while addressing the lack of infrastructure in remote areas.
Infrastructure Categories and Site Selection
The plan involves categorising playgrounds based on available land:
- Large Playgrounds: Spread across four acres, these will feature running tracks, courts for basketball, football, badminton, kho-kho, kabaddi, and long and high jump areas.
- Medium Playgrounds: Built on 1 to 1.5 acres, these will accommodate multiple sports facilities, albeit on a smaller scale.
- Small Playgrounds: For locations with less than one acre, these will include basic amenities like volleyball, basketball, badminton courts, and a running track.
To date, 6,324 sites have been identified across the state. Of these, 1,272 will house large playgrounds, 2,121 will be medium-sized, and 2,931 will cater to smaller grounds. For areas lacking sufficient land, zonal and programme officers are actively scouting alternative locations.
![Bihar Panchayati Raj Minister Kedar Gupta](https://newsyweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Panchayati-Raj-Minister-1-300x253.jpg)
Additional Features and Budget
Beyond the core sports facilities, the playgrounds will include essential amenities such as separate toilets for men and women, open gyms, and changing rooms. A green environment will be fostered by planting trees around the premises.
The construction budget ranges from ₹10 lakh to ₹17 lakh for smaller playgrounds, with larger grounds exceeding ₹17 lakh. This funding ensures the creation of high-quality infrastructure to meet the diverse needs of rural communities.
Broader Impacts
In tandem with the playgrounds, Panchayat Government Buildings will be established, streamlining administrative processes and reducing villagers’ reliance on block or district offices.
This initiative is poised to transform rural Bihar by promoting sports, enhancing physical fitness, and empowering youth with opportunities for growth. The state aims to complete most playgrounds before the 2025 assembly elections, making this project a landmark achievement in Bihar’s journey towards inclusive development.