Lokmat News Network
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:
As soon as summer begins, the rush at the swimming pools in the city starts to increase. For a population of 1.8 million, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has only two swimming pools. During summer, a ‘No Vacancy’ board has to be put up at one of the pools. There is growing demand for the construction of five more new swimming pools for the city. The municipal corporation had made an effort to build a swimming pool at Garware, but it was unsuccessful.
Four swimming pools are affordable for common citizens. The municipal corporation has a swimming pool behind Siddharth Garden. In Jyotinagar, the CSMC has given a private agency the contract for a swimming pool on a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) basis. There is also one pool at the university and one at the MGM campus. In addition, large hotels have swimming pools for their customers. In areas like Harsul and Rauza Baugh, there are three private pools. Recently, large residential projects being developed are including swimming pools for the residents.
Pressure on Sidharth Swimming Pool
Over 7,000 citizens are registered at the swimming pool behind Siddharth Garden of the municipal corporation. In May, new registrations become almost impossible. The rates here are lower compared to other pools in the city.
There are six lifeguards and two coaches at this location. In 1994-95, the pool's revenue was Rs 8 lakh.
By the end of February, a revenue of Rs 93 lakh was earned. By March 31, the revenue is expected to reach Rs 1 crore. Due to the good water quality and facilities, the number of citizens visiting is increasing.
Safety measures
If someone is swimming, the lifeguard should keep a close watch on them. If a swimmer is drowning due to fits or any other reason, they should be pulled out immediately. Lifebuoys, long bamboo poles, or ropes should be available nearby. Lifeguards should be trained to administer oxygen to a drowning person once they are pulled out.
More pools to be built in the city?
There is a demand for a separate swimming pool for the residents of the Cidco-Hudco area. Swimming pools are also needed in areas like Garware, Chikalthana, Beed Bypass, Padegav, and others.
Summer season rush
Abhay Deshmukh, Swimming Pool Trainer (CSMC), “Every year, the number of members increases during the summer. Siddharth Swiming Pool becomes overcrowded. Managing the crowd becomes difficult.”