Hubballi: At a time when people are finding ways to beat the summer heat, HDMC has closed down the lone
swimming pool in the city for an indefinite period.
The authorities shut the pool on February 28 citing water scarcity and have not opened it till date. “We have made several requests to the water board but the board has expressed its helplessness to provide sufficient water to run the swimming pool due to water crisis.” said A N Manager, tax collector and in-charge of swimming pool in zonal 5 of HDMC.
“Once the pool gets filled, every day we will need water supply for a minimum of two to three hours for cleaning and other purposes. But currently we are finding it difficult to fill the pool completely, so we have closed it down. We will reopen it when there is adequate water to meet our daily requirement,” he added.
Achyutananda, a college student and swimming enthusiast said summer holidays will soon begin for school and college students but it is a big disappointment that the swimming pool is closed. Another student Santosh Kumar Kadam said, “There is one swimming pool in
Hubballi and one in Dharwad run by the HDMC. They are affordable for people, especially students. If they remain shut, we will be deprived of the joy of swimming this summer as we can’t afford to go to private swimming pools paying Rs 6,000-Rs 8,000 per month. The HDMC must ensure that these two pools are well-maintained with adequate water supply so as to cater to the needs of students and the general public.”
Swimming pool in-charge A N Manager said he will speak to the officials concerned. “The pool will reopen by the end of March or the first week of April,” he said.
