Located in the Old Town Colony area, the District Sports Council Ground in Zunheboto town lacks basic facilities such as proper sanitation, changing rooms, a spectator gallery, drainage system, waste management and proper ground levelling. (Morung Photo)
Tokavi K Zhimo
Zunheboto | March 31
The District Sports Council Ground in Zunheboto, popularly known as the Public Ground, has been languishing in neglect for over 50 years, local residents and community leaders said.
Located in the Old Town Colony area, the ground lacks basic facilities such as proper sanitation, changing rooms, a spectator gallery, drainage system, waste management and proper ground levelling.
Locals said that despite being the primary venue for sports activities and official events in the district, the ground has failed to receive necessary upgrades for decades.
‘Paddy field’ in rain, ‘dust bowl’ in dry season
“The Public Ground in Zunheboto has been in a pathetic condition for a long time,” an athlete from the district said.
Another athlete said, “The condition of the ground in Zunheboto is increasingly disappointing and reflects a clear lack of proper management and planning. During the rainy season, the situation becomes even worse the entire ground turns muddy and waterlogged, making it almost unusable for public gatherings, sports, or events. Instead of serving as a community space, it becomes inconvenient and unsafe.”
He further highlighted the absence of basic facilities, stating, “One of the biggest concerns is the lack of proper public toilets. For a place that hosts large gatherings, this is a major failure. People are left with no choice but to manage in unhygienic conditions, which creates discomfort and raises serious health concerns.”
He also pointed out the lack of a proper dumping zone and waste management system. “After events, the ground is often left littered with garbage, reflecting negligence in maintenance. This not only harms the environment but also creates a poor image of the town,” he said.
Another player shared his experience, stating, “During the dry season, the ground becomes extremely dusty, making it uncomfortable and unhealthy to play, as it affects breathing and visibility. During the rainy season, it turns into something like a paddy field, filled with mud and water, making it nearly impossible to play. This not only affects performance but also increases the risk of slipping and injuries.”
He further added that poor maintenance practices have worsened the situation. “Instead of properly levelling the ground, it is often filled with hard rocks, which eventually turn into large, sharp stones scattered across the field. This is extremely dangerous and can cause serious injuries during matches or practice sessions.”
Standard football ground missing
A prominent citizen of Zunheboto noted that the district’s only playground serves both the town and surrounding villages. “It is time for Zunheboto district to have a standard football ground. NGOs based in Sumi headquarters must actively monitor and work towards its improvement. Although renovation work is carried out from time to time, it often appears to be done merely for formality to pass bills,” he suggested.
“Whenever projects are allocated for renovation and maintenance, we should not rely solely on contractors. NGOs must play a vital role in ensuring proper monitoring so that work is carried out efficiently and transparently. Otherwise, contractors may carry out substandard work and simply bill the amount,” he said emphasising the need for transparency and accountability in development works.
“The newly constructed restroom appears to have been built only for namesake. Its condition is poor during rainfall, it fails to provide proper shelter as water leaks from multiple points, and even the flooring appears poorly done,” he observed.
Poor upkeep, land dispute
A community leader has raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the district’s only playground, alleging lack of civic responsibility and official apathy towards government property.
Citing broken restroom windows and theft of solar lights, he said the authorities have not been sufficiently vigilant. ‘The ground is left in a deplorable condition after events like Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations,’ he added.
Expressing apprehension over ongoing projects, including the construction of a public gallery and installation of lighting, he alleged poor workmanship and warned of potential structural damage if standards were not maintained. He also noted that the location is landslide-prone, stressing the need for proper retaining walls.
The leader further pointed to disputes with landowners, who he claimed create obstacles during maintenance works and alleged that construction materials had been taken away, leading to delays and frequent halts.
Comparing the situation to a turf in Kawoto village where users are charged a fee, he emphasised the ground should remain accessible with better facilities to promote sports among the district’s youth.
How can we progress like this?
Highlighting the inadequate sports infrastructure in the district, Advisor K Tokugha Sukhalu had said efforts are underway to develop a standard football ground with modern facilities.
Speaking at the Zunheboto Area Public Organisation Biennial Conference on November 21, 2025, the MLA remarked that the current field does not meet proper standards. “Today, many tournaments are being held, yet we fail to compete with others because our players are still playing in conditions akin to fishery ponds. How can we progress like this?” he questioned.
Sukhalu, who holds the portfolios of Food and Civil Supplies, Legal Metrology and Consumer Protection, and is Chairman of Urban Local Bodies and Village Councils, had noted that the existing ground was built by earlier generations under difficult circumstances and has since remained underdeveloped.
