Swimming pool at MDU unused for 2 years

Sunit Dhawan

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A world-class swimming pool located on the campus of Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak is lying unused for more than two years.

The swimming pool, which has been designed and equipped to host international swimming events, is lying locked and abandoned, much to the dismay of university students, budding sportspersons and other aspiring swimmers in the university and nearby areas.

Faculty members allege that the pool is lying abandoned for such a long time due to red-tapism in the functioning of the university authorities. 

Rajender Sharma, Head of Department of Political Science, says that such a well-equipped pool on the university campus is lying unused for a long time, and as a result aspiring swimmers can’t avail of the facility.

Bhagat Singh, a professor of physical education, says that he has been struggling to ensure the swimming pool is put to optimum use in the larger interest of students and sportspersons, but to no avail. Several aspiring swimmers also complain that the pool is lying closed due to which they are not able to practice.

Gulshan Lal Taneja, MDU Registrar, says that the pool was constructed more than 20 years ago and is now closed for repair and renovation.

“The tiles of the pool have worn out and damaged and the motors and pipes have rusted. The pool system requires a complete overhaul and we are on the job,” he says. 

Asked about the inordinate delay in the maintenance work, Taneja says that after he joined as Registrar, the process for the repair and renovation of the pool was initiated but it got stalled due to the model code of conduct for the parliamentary elections.

“We have now initiated the e-tendering process and the renovation work is likely to be completed in a few months. The swimming pool will be ready and functional by summer next year,” he says.