Ludhiana's Notorious Wasteland Transformed into ₹91-Lakh Mini Sports Park
A notorious stretch of abandoned land in Ludhiana, once frequented by miscreants and used as a garbage dump for decades, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The site behind the civil hospital at the location of the city's former jail has been redeveloped into a state-of-the-art mini sports park at a cost of ₹91 lakh. This project provides a much-needed recreational outlet for residents in the Ludhiana Central assembly constituency, where green space and dedicated sports infrastructure have long been scarce.
Addressing Longstanding Infrastructure Deficits
The Central constituency has struggled for years with inadequate sports facilities. While the area contains several small parks, many residents have complained that active play is often restricted or outright prohibited by local committees. This new development directly addresses that gap by creating dedicated spaces for physical activity in an urban environment where open recreational areas are at a premium.
Ashok Prashar Pappi, the member of the Punjab legislative assembly from this constituency, explained that the project emerged directly from community feedback gathered during the 2022 election campaign. "We selected a place that was being used as a garbage dumping site for the last four decades," Pappi stated. "We cleaned the area thoroughly and developed it into a well-maintained mini sports park. Our vision is that every vacant space in the constituency will eventually be developed into a playground for the benefit of our youth."
Comprehensive Sports Facilities
The newly developed park features comprehensive facilities designed to cater to various athletic interests:
- Professional-grade basketball court
- Regulation volleyball court
- Pickleball playing area
- "Box cricket" facility for compact cricket matches
Municipal corporation officials emphasize that the redevelopment specifically aims to encourage physical activity among residents of all ages. The transformation represents a significant civic improvement, turning what was once a security concern and environmental eyesore into a community asset.
Maintenance Concerns and Community Skepticism
Despite the impressive upgrade, some residents remain skeptical about the long-term viability of the site. Concerns have been raised regarding whether the park will remain accessible to the public or might fall into disrepair like previous civic projects in the area.
Gurdeep Singh, a resident of nearby Kidwai Nagar, pointed to similar courts built under the Pakhowal Road overpass and in the Lohara area that are currently underutilized or kept locked. "The initiative is certainly good if people actually use it consistently," Singh noted. "The authorities must ensure proper security measures and implement a comprehensive maintenance strategy so this valuable space doesn't eventually return to being a wasteland."
Inauguration Delay and Project Status
While the facility is structurally complete, a formal opening date has yet to be announced. Sources indicate the delay stems from efforts to coordinate an inauguration ceremony featuring Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, suggesting the project has received significant political attention.
Simarjeet Singh, a subdivisional officer with the municipal corporation, confirmed the financial scope of the project and its current status. "The total investment stands at ₹91 lakh," he explained. "Final paint touch-ups and the official opening ceremony are currently pending. The key beneficiaries will be residents of Kidwai Nagar, Prem Nagar, and Brown Road areas who have long needed proper recreational facilities."
This transformation represents more than just physical redevelopment—it symbolizes a shift in urban planning priorities toward creating accessible community spaces that promote health, recreation, and social interaction in densely populated urban areas.
