MC pool lies defunct for want of staff
Charanjit Singh Teja
Tribune News Service
Amritsar, May 3
Swimming enthusiasts and sportspersons in the city are unhappy as the Municipal Corporation (MC) has failed to make operational its swimming pool located at Gol Bagh. Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu had made efforts and invited contractors to revive the swimming pool, but no one found it viable. MC officials say they don’t have workers to operate the pool. Veteran swimmers in the city term it a loss for the budding talents.
There are only two major swimming pools where trainees of the Sports Department can practice. Though the pools at Khalsa College Senior Secondary School and Guru Nanak Dev University are open, they have reserved entry rights.
The Gol Bagh swimming pool had good infrastructure a few years ago. The MC has failed to operate it since 2016. Apart from sportsmen, residents too have been coming here for leisure activities. The swimming pool didn’t have coaches, life-saving guards and other employees, but the MC used to operate it by hiring contractual employees.
As per MC officials, there should be two coaches, including a female, four lifeguards, four watchmen, a fitter-cum-helper, four sanitation workers and office staff to run the pool. In the absence of staff, the Municipal Corporation hasn’t filled water in the pool. Rainwater has been accumulated in it, resulting in foul smell.
Kamal Kumar, in-charge of the pool, said, “We are not able to operate the swimming pool this year again as workers are not available. Mayor Karamjit Singh Rintu made efforts but the infrastructure needs maintenance. Now, Amritsar Smart City Corporation limited will renovate it.”
