PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Uttarkashi
Ramlila Maidan (Azad Maidan), the most prominent public venue at the district headquarters, remains dilapidated even 26 years after Uttarakhand achieved statehood. Once considered the centre of Uttarkashi’s cultural, social, and sporting activities, this ground now faces the challenge of preserving its identity amid chaos, encroachment and pressure for multipurpose use.
Over the years, Ramlila performances, the Barahat Thaulu Fair, Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, football and cricket tournaments, public meetings and cultural programmes among various other public events have been held here. This makes the ground not just an open space but a vital part of Uttarkashi’s social and cultural heritage.
Locals allege that the condition of the ground is getting worse. Once used for parking during the pilgrimage season, it now houses numerous vehicle repair projects, temporary commercial activities, fruit and vegetable vendors, hawkers and other makeshift structures. “This is impacting the ground’s utility and steadily reducing the open space available for sports activities,” one of the locals lamented.
Social organisations operating in the district and citizens have raised questions about which department is accountable for the maintenance and management of the ground. Discussions are also underway regarding the role of the district panchayat, municipal corporation and district administration. People say that when the ground is being used temporarily for parking, effective arrangements should be made to maintain its original appearance and cleanliness.
A prominent environmental and social activist, Lokendra Singh Bisht said that the absence of playgrounds is already a major problem for the youth of Uttarkashi. “Therefore, the preservation and systematic development of the Ramlila Ground is extremely important. Various works have been carried out from time to time for the beautification and maintenance of the ground, but despite this, the ground has not regained its former dignity and utility,” he noted.
Locals echo the view and stress on planned development of the Ramlila Ground. It will not only promote sports activities but also provide better facilities for cultural and social events, they say.
Citizens have demanded that the departments concerned assess the current condition of the ground and formulate a clear policy for its preservation, beautification and use. “Concrete and long-term steps must be taken to restore this historic ground, which is integral to Uttarkashi’s identity, to its former glory,” a citizen averred.
