Chandigarh: After 2 yrs, Sector 23 all-weather swimming pool to open for public
Deepankar Sharda
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, November 8
The UT Sports Department will soon re-open the all-weather swimming pool at Sector 23 for the general public.
The pool is likely to be thrown open to the public later this month after a gap of almost two years.
“The pool is almost ready and the swimming area has already been covered. Water temperature will be put at par with normal body temperature before opening it for users,” said a highly placed source.
Earlier, the pool was opened for professional swimmers. However, with various swimming tournaments getting over, the pool was closed for time being. It will now be re-opened for professional swimmers as well.
“Along with professional swimmers, the pool will be opened for the general public, who have been waiting to practice at the venue for two years now. This (Sector 23) is the single pool in Chandigarh, under the Sports Department, which functions in winters too. So, we can expect a good rush,” said the source.
All the seven swimming pools under the UT Sports Department witness a huge rush in summers. However, this year, all pools remained shut for the general public due to the Covid pandemic.
There has been a huge demand to open the pools for recreational groups.
“Since the UT Administration has opened up everything, they should also open pools for the general public. The recreational group is usually represented by people above 18 years and the majority have already been vaccinated. We are ready to follow all Covid related protocols. However, the department should take a final call on this,” said Prabhnoor, a local swimmer.
Anita, a swimming enthusiast, said: “The Administration has allowed private pools to function, but has restricted entry of general public at their own centres. It will be a welcome step, if the recreational time is allotted for the general public. It will also help the department generate some revenue.”
Earlier in October, the department had opened state-run football, hockey and cricket academies for trainees above the age of 10 years. Previous to that, all other coaching centres were opened for the trainees.
