I have never believed in superstitious ideas, but the way construction of a small low cost steel footbridge connecting a beautiful playground with the main land has been delayed for almost 50 years, it sometimes makes me believe that it a matter of being cursed! Every year Government spends billions of rupees on developmental works in J&K but I can’t understand why authorities at the helm are not able to spend mere Rs 10 to 15 lakhs on a steel footbridge? In remote and inaccessible areas of Budgam district or far off places like Kishtwar or Kupwara, blacktopped roads and huge bridges were constructed during last two decades, but on the other hand a long pending public demand of around 30 to 40 villages and towns around Wathoora is not fulfilled by the Government.
Location & Topography
At a time when we are losing playgrounds and green spaces in villages and towns due to massive urbanization, a 100 kanal Kah Charai land is still protected by the local youth of Wathoora, a semi-urbanized locality in Srinagar outskirts in district Budgam. Wathoora is only 11 kms from Srinagar city center and just 5 to 6 kms from many uptown posh colonies like Rawalpora, Chanapora, Hyderpora etc. Cricketers from most of these areas, and even Srinagar old city continue to play cricket at Wathoora. The problem with this cricket ground is that it is an Island and has no direct access through a road. On the other hand the ground has many advantages as well like better water absorption capacity and being safe from land grabbers etc. On the front side of the ground (eastern area) we have Doodh Ganga, and towards its south we have Shali Ganga which joins Doodh-Ganga near the southern tail of this ground. There are some irrigation canals and Khuls towards the north and eastern side of the ground. Cricket lovers enter this play ground through Shahpora locality of Wathoora which is located on Srinagar-Chadoora – Charare Sharief road.
Entering the cricket ground
Having spent my childhood near this cricket ground, I, along with many village kids would swim in Doodh Ganga locally called Chaz Kull. We would take a sunbath on its banks connecting the ground which had a lot of clean sand until 10-15 years back. As a kid, on Sundays and holidays, I would often carry a lunch box from home for my uncles, playing cricket across. When I grew up I also played cricket on this ground which is locally known as Watal Waen. Although I was not a good cricketer, I loved the game and always tried my best to get a bridge constructed when I grew up. I never succeeded till date. Today my 9 year old son is asking me why there is not a permanent bridge so that he could go across and play cricket or football? Same question my father, my uncles and myself have raised in the past?