Basohli Rowing Centre in Jammu, Funded by PM Development Project, Crying for Attention as Boats Worth Crores Lie Unused

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Costly imported rowing boats worth over ₹1 crore have been lying unused at the water sports centre in Basohli, near Ranjit Sagar Dam in Kathua district of Jammu region, for over two years.

Funds amounting to ₹3 crore were allocated for the water sports centre back in 2016 under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi package scheme for the development of sports facilities in the Jammu and Kashmir region.

"It's unfortunate that costly water sports equipment has been lying waste for such a long time," Dr Burhan Bazaz, president of the J&K Rowing Association, told *Mykhel* over the phone from Srinagar.

The foreign-made boats, according to a source familiar with the development, were purchased sometime in 2019 for the holistic development of water sports activities in the J&K region. However, the boats remain packed and are stored in the boatshed in Basohli. A seating arrangement at the venue has also been constructed.

Bazaz explained: "Basohli is ideal for rowing. The water course is long and excellent for building endurance. But local talent is not being scouted."

The Basohli centre falls under the jurisdiction of the J&K Sports Council. The council appointed an instructor last year to oversee rowing activities. "It's up to the J&K Sports Council officials to start practice sessions and make use of the boats," Bazaz added.

Officials from the J&K Sports Council were not available for comments regarding the lack of other essential staff, including a rescue team and a motorboat, as safety remains the primary concern for players.

Under the central government's development package scheme for sports in J&K, funds amounting to ₹400 crore were announced in 2016. These funds were to be used for projects such as the renovation of Srinagar's Bakshi Stadium to conduct FIFA-sanctioned international matches. Jammu's MA Stadium was also slated for upgrades to host international cricket matches.

While ₹3 crore each was allocated for the development of water sports facilities in Srinagar and Basohli, neither facility is functioning as expected. The J&K Sports Council, which oversees the Khelo India State Center of Excellence in rowing in Srinagar, has appointed support staff, including a dietitian, but lacks both a coach and players. Meanwhile, the boats in Basohli remain unused.

Amar Jyoti, a senior Sports Authority of India (SAI) official overseeing Khelo India projects across the country, did not respond to text messages seeking comment.

The water sports centre in Basohli has missed several deadlines in the past, said Dr. Bazaz. "I hope the elected government will take note of the public money being wasted," he added.

Although the J&K Sports Council appointed an instructor in 2023 to initiate water sports activities in Basohli, the initial enthusiasm from local youngsters has waned. Many came initially for physical fitness but did not learn the fundamentals of rowing. "One of the fundamentals is to be a good swimmer," Bazaz explained.

Due to the lack of rowing activity, the number of participants coming for physical fitness has dwindled.

"Rowing is a rigorous activity, and it's not feasible to run the water sports center with just one instructor," said Rajiv Sharma, a former rowing coach and national umpire. "There should be a qualified rowing coach at the center. The coaching staff should also include a rescue team, as safety is the primary concern during practice and competition," added the Chandigarh-based national umpire. "It's also mandatory that all beginners first learn swimming before progressing to rowing."