Rangers Ground: Relocation of Sunday market yet to prove a boon for Doon’s youngsters   

MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun

The persistent occupation of Rangers Ground by events and fairs has sparked widespread discontent among young adults and residents alike, who claim that this hinders their engagement in sports and other activities. They claimed that despite the recent relocation of the Sunday market from Rangers Ground to a new site near ISBT, the ground remains occupied most of the time.

Importantly, the Sunday market used to be held at this ground.   It had been shifted due to consistent demand of the residents, resulting in the district magistrate’s relocation order.

However, the relocation has not produced the desired outcome, as the ground is still being used for events, which include fairs, much to the dismay of residents and young adults. Notably, the city’s young adults would previously throng both Parade Ground and Rangers Ground for sports and recreational activities, but the occupation of both for events and fairs have severely limited their options.

A young adult from the city, Shivam Bahuguna said that their excitement over the relocation of the Sunday market from Rangers Ground had proved short-lived. “My friends and I had planned to visit Rangers Ground for a cricket match during our free time. But we were disappointed on finding it occupied. Despite the market’s relocation, events like fairs continue to take place at the ground. Where should we go for sports?” he asked.     

Another youngster, Vansh Bisht shared similar concerns about the ongoing occupation of Rangers Ground. “We are really concerned with the city having limited designated space for young people to engage in sports. The relocation of the Sunday market made us hopeful, but it soon fizzled out and we are back at square one,” he complained.  He added that the events being organised there affect the quality of the ground, too. “The ground is dug for pitching stalls and consequently, the ground’s quality is diminished,” he said.

The older residents also voiced the same concern.  Arti Chaturvedi said that she would love to go for a walk through the ground if it is unoccupied. “But we hardly find it so.  It remains occupied most of the time,” she said. In the same breath, she said that relocation of the Sunday market had alleviated traffic problems. “This is commendable, but the ground should be kept free from such frequent occupation to enable us to have leisurely walks and chats,” she said.