Yamuna Sports Complex (YSC), in East Delhi, has been a part of the lives of the East-Delhiites for over two decades now. The facilities on offer, help us stay fit and enjoy outdoor activities all year round. The people of this area have invested money through memberships and usage of paid activities to ensure that the complex receives money for its upkeep and development. 

One of the activities enjoyed by the 1000's of enthusiasts is running on the track of this established. This track is also being used for coaching and is seen flooded with young athletes. Also, it is a hub for people preparing for marathons, senior citizens who are enjoy walking there, and amateur runners who do not wish to injure themselves by running on the roads. This open field is also a place where people are seen exercising and practicing yoga. It also serves as a venue for promoting yoga on World Yoga Day.

However, DDA has now decided to replace this area to create a cricket stadium which will be used by a select few, disregarding the need of the many.

What's more, once developed, the area of the stadium would be out of bounds for the general public and only open for corporates and others who book the stadium for cricket. Ignoring the aforementioned folks who have been using the field in the discussion.

Accessibility to the complex will be restricted on days that the stadium is booked. It will cause inconvenience to the rest of the members who frequent this complex for the multiple other facilities it offers. 

We wish for this action of the cricket stadium being built to stop immediately. Not on account of the destruction of the tracks and loss of place for people who are practicing various disciplines there. This is a classic example of disregarding the need of the many for a few. Maybe, it is an agenda to showcase development. Development is not just building megastructures that are to be used. But also, improving the existing facilities.

If DDA does have excess money to spend, it can utilise it to improve the existing infrastructure, by improving the track, maintaining the badminton courts, fixing the leakages in the newly built stadium, among others. More can be listed if need be. 

We are not against cricket, but against the development of one activity at the expense of another. Let us treat a sports complex for what it is meant to be, a location where different sports can be practiced, not just one. Let us not dash the dreams of the many who are looking to be the next Hima Das, P.V. Sindu or Dipa Karmakar. There are plenty of locations where one can practice Cricket. In fact, complex itself provides coaching to budding cricketers. The fields are used for hosting cricket matches even today!

Still firm on making the cricket ground? The CBD ( <one kilometer from YSC) would serve as a perfect alternate location to build it. What's more, the stadium built, can be an international standard stadium that will not be restricted to playing Ranji cricket only. The area is long overdue for development.Issues like parking and other infrastructure would not be a problem in this area. This would also help reduce the garbage stench in the area, as that is the only use of CBD presently. The residents, someday, might even have the chance to watch India play nearby. The hotels in the vicinity would gain from it as well. This stadium will as an alternate for Firoz Shah Kotla. 

Please sign this petition to make our voices heard to the concerned authorities.