Shimla MP urges Centre to open gugga madi ground in Subathu Cantt for public

Member of Parliament (MP) from Shimla, Suresh Kashyap wrote to the Union minister of state for defence, Sanjay Seth, apprising him of the sentiments of the local citizens and requesting him to issue necessary instructions to the concerned officials

Former BJP state president and Member of Parliament (MP) from Shimla, Suresh Kashyap, has urged the Central government to keep the historic Gugga Madi ground in Subathu Cantonment (Solan district) open for use by the general public, just as it has been in the past.

(HT FILE)

In this regard, the MP wrote to the Union minister of state for defence, Sanjay Seth, apprising him of the sentiments of the local citizens and requesting him to issue necessary instructions to the concerned officials.

Kashyap said that he had received a detailed representation from the citizens demanding that the Gugga Madi ground remain accessible to the public as before. He said that the Gugga Madi ground is a prominent public space in the Subathu area, where sports, as well as social, cultural, and community activities, have been organised for years. This ground is not merely an open space but a vital hub for the region’s social and cultural activities.

The MP pointed out that the historic Gugga Madi fair has been held at this ground for approximately 105 years. The fair is an integral part of the cultural identity, social harmony, and historical heritage of Subathu and the surrounding region. Local residents are concerned that if public access to the ground is restricted, they will be left without any other suitable open ground for organising public activities.

In his letter, Kashyap clarified that while respecting the security and administrative requirements of the Indian Armed Forces and defence establishments is paramount, the long-standing needs and public sentiments of the local citizens must also be addressed with sensitivity.