Defunct fountain in Mohali turns into swimming pool for children

MOHALI: The accumulation of rain water at a defunct musical fountain in Sector 70 has turned to be a paradise for slum children, who are using it as swimming pool. It is due to the careless attitude of the Mohali municipal corporation (MC) and the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (Gmada) as they have failed to check accumulation of rain water at such places. The authorities concerned must take steps to drain out water from the fountain area before any untoward incident takes place.
On one hand, according to the guidelines of the ministry of home affairs (MHA), all the swimming pools in the country have been closed due to Covid-19 pandemic, however, the MC has turned a blind eye to such fountain ponds, which have been converted into swimming pools due to rain.
Musical Fountain Park in Sector 70, Mohali, was once a major attraction for residents, but has been left defunct from past many years. Children are often seen jumping and diving into the fountain pond, thus risking their lives.
Residents of the area now fear that such an activity can be the reason for the spread of Covid-19 in the area. Kanwal Nain Sodhi, a social activist, said, “It is negligence on the part of the authorities who are not paying attention to the defunct fountain where slum children swim and jump in the stagnant water. The government has closed all the swimming pools in the state, but right under the nose of authorities, guidelines are being flouted.”
MC commissioner Kamal Kumar Garg said, “I will immediately deploy the concerned officer of the area to get the water drained out and also put a warning board mentioning fine for those who are seen swimming in the fountain pond.”