Kadaplamattom: Kerala has become the first state in the country to launch the ‘one panchayat, one playground’ programme, Minister V Abdurahiman said while inaugurating the playground at Kadaplamattom panchayat.

Mons Joseph, MLA, presided over the function. Uzhavoor block panchayat president Raju John Chitteth, Kadaplamattom panchayat president Mathai Mathew, district panchayat member Nirmala Jimmy and others attended the event.

The stadium is being built on one acre of land at Kanjirappara, allocated by the panchayat. The project will be funded jointly with ₹50 lakh from the Sports Welfare Department and ₹50 lakh from the MLA’s local area development fund.

Youngsters from neighbouring panchayats such as Marangottuppilly, Kidangoor and Kuravilangad will also benefit from the facility. The complex will include a football stadium, a volleyball court and two badminton courts, along with fencing and a protective wall around the playground.