Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), April 13: A newly developed playground was inaugurated at Chukmachi village on Teressa Island on April 8, creating a dedicated space for sports, recreation and community interaction while generating local employment under a central rural development programme.
The facility was opened in the presence of Mohammed Yunus M, Block Development Officer of Nancowry, along with village elders and community representatives. The ground has been made available for public use, marking a new addition to the village’s social infrastructure.
Developed under the Viksit Bharat, Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) of the Ministry of Rural Development, the project reflects a coordinated effort between the administration and the local community. Village workers actively participated in the development process, contributing to both execution and ownership of the asset.
Officials said the initiative was designed to provide an accessible and structured space for physical activity, particularly for the youth of the village. The playground is expected to support regular sports activities while encouraging healthier lifestyles and fostering local talent in remote island communities.
The project was sanctioned and approved by Deputy Commissioner of Nicobars Amit Kale with a financial outlay of Rs.1,87,083. The work generated a total of 503 persondays of wage employment for local residents, aligning with the programme’s objective of combining infrastructure creation with livelihood support.
Execution of the work was carried out by the Community Development Block, Nancowry, under the supervision of the Assistant Commissioner, Nancowry. Authorities said the project demonstrates how rural development schemes are being utilised to create durable public assets while addressing employment needs in geographically isolated regions.
To mark the inauguration, a football tournament titled “Abner Harry Memorial Tournament” was launched at the venue. Five tuhet-based teams are participating in the competition, signalling the immediate use of the ground for organised sporting activity.
Addressing the gathering, the Block Development Officer acknowledged the efforts of the village community in the creation of the playground and called for its proper use and upkeep. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the facility to ensure long-term benefits for residents.
The development of the playground is part of broader efforts to strengthen rural infrastructure and community engagement in the Nicobar region. By integrating employment generation with the creation of public spaces, the initiative aims to support both social cohesion and economic activity at the grassroots level.
