ISLAMABAD: Due to the negligence by the officials concerned and a lack of civic sense among the residents, football grounds in the thickly-populated G-7/2 sector have almost lost their utility.

One of the two grounds in the residential sector, where a majority of government employees live, is completely abandoned while the other is in a pathetic condition and being used partially.

These are: the Islamabad Model College for Boys (IMCB) ground and the G-7/2 football ground owned by the Capital Development Authority (CDA).

Grass and bushes have grown all over the IMCB ground.

“The last sports activity took place in this ground about four years ago,” said a teacher of the college.

He said sports and physical activities can play a major role in the character building of the students but in this college even no time was reserved for physical activities.

Speaking to Dawn, Principal Nadeem Ashraf said the college had been facing a shortage of funds to make the ground functional.

“I’ll take up the issue with the officers concerned,” he said.

Tahir Bhatti, a spokesman for the Federal Directorate of Education (FDE), said the department would look into the matter. “We will try to make the ground functional as soon as possible,” he added.

The CDA owned ground, which was upgraded in 2005, also needs maintenance.

Mohammad Ismail, a resident of G-7, said the local people and the civic agency should equally be held responsible for the poor condition of the ground.

He said during the tenure of Chairman Kamran Lashari, the CDA had upgraded the ground with installation of a fence, goal nets and floodlights.

“The floodlights have been stolen from one of the polls. Besides, the grills are also missing.” Mr Ismail said the citizens should take responsibility for looking after the grounds rather than destroying them.

Another citizen, Bilal Ahmed, said by spending a huge amount of funds the CDA had built the ground and it was the responsibility of its officials concerned to maintain the ground. But it seems the CDA has forgotten the ground.

“I think the CDA and the local people are equally responsible for destroying the ground,” he said.

Anzla Javed, who was playing cricket in the ground, said by paying a little attention the CDA could restore football activities in the ground.

“The ground is losing its charm but still there are a number of football players who come here every day.”

When contacted, Director Sports and Culture CDA Asif Javed Shahjahan said: “I’m aware of the pathetic condition of the G-7/2 football ground. There are so many other grounds in Islamabad and we are in contact with private firms to upgrade them.”

Published in Dawn December 22th , 2014