Nahan’s Chaugan ground in need of prompt attention
Once the central hub of sports and cultural events at the district headquarters in Sirmaur, the historic Chaugan ground in Nahan is now in a state of utter neglect.
Once teeming with life, hosting festivals and various community events, this iconic ground now seems to be crumbling under the weight of poor maintenance and excessive use. The field, already damaged by large crowds and equipment used during festivals, is now further plagued by waterlogging issues due to improper installation of underground pipelines. Even a small amount of rain is enough to transform the ground into a swamp, rendering it virtually unusable.
With the upcoming police recruitment exams, many local youths frequent the field for physical training. However, the present condition of the ground is dampening their dreams. The swampy terrain makes it impossible for them to perform even basic physical exercises, let alone run or practice other essential drills.
The ground, with its uneven and muddy surface, has become a source of deep frustration for young people preparing for their fitness tests. This issue is not confined to police aspirants, but extends to those preparing for the Army recruitment and other physical competitions, impacting hopefuls and athletes alike.
During the night, the Chaugan ground becomes a grazing field for animals. Each morning, athletes and trainees see heaps of dung scattered across the field. This unhygienic environment not only poses a health risk, but also disrupts their rigorous preparation schedules, further hampering their chances of success in physical exams.
Despite the significant revenue generated by annual fairs hosted at the Chaugan ground, much of this income is not being funnelled back into the repair and upkeep of the ground. Stalls, rides and heavy equipment used during festivals is causing substantial damage to the already fragile surface of the ground.
The local administration benefits financially from these events, but little of that money is invested into restoring and maintaining the field.
