On one side, we Indians want to take our sports acumen to the next level and increase our medal tally at Olympic and Para Olympic level, the capital’s Development authority has different plans. Its ironical how we are taught that “khelega India to aage badhega India” when we are nowhere close to “Swasth rahega India tabhi to khelega India”. While the capital should be setting some example for other cities to follow, the DDA continues to commercialise the city without paying any heed to sustainability, health and to top it all liveability. One rare example of some decent sports infrastructure created in Delhi is the Sirifort Sports Complex. The complex was running smoothly and promotion of sports and health was the unanimous motive till DDA decided to give away the cafeteria tender at a high price leading to increase in food prices making it unaffordable for young sport-persons. To top it all, a board was put up saying that outside food is not allowed which is now followed by serving of liquor inside the sports complex.
The DDA rule book itself says that no liquor, smoking and commercial activity is allowed inside the sports premises and DDA itself is flouting that very rule. In the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad (Petitioner) Versus Union of India & Ors (Respondents), The National Green Tribunal, part of the judgement, point F, reads: “The entire complex and its various constructed portions would not be put to any commercial use or non-sport activities i.e. the stadium and the surrounding areas.”
A sports complex is fundamentally meant to promote health, fitness, discipline, and positive values, especially among children, youth, women, and families who regularly use the facilities for sports, training, and recreation. The serving of liquor in such an environment is completely contradictory to the very purpose of sports and physical activity thus making it an unsuitable Environment for minors, school-going children, young athletes, ladies, and families. With limited parking, allowing banqueting and alcohol will only create lawlessness, noise pollution which will hinder sporting activity and discourage athletes from coming to the complex. With the city having innumerable spaces for enjoying alcohol and organizing parties, one fails to understand what pushed the DDA to allow such non permitted activities inside the sports premises? With fee collection from members, pay and play collection from non-members, revenues from food facilities, one wonders why DDA wants to further commercialise and maximise its revenue? Citizenry has to fight once again to secure the status of a city asset which is already protected by law.
