Pool of problems: Ambala’s all-weather swimming facility stalled by staff crunch

The All-Weather Swimming Pool at War Heroes Memorial Stadium in Ambala Cantonment remains inaccessible to the general public and beginners due to a lapse in administrative processes and an acute staff shortage.

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The operations tender for the pool expired in March 2025, and despite the summer surge in interest — particularly from families looking to enrol their children during vacations — the pool has remained closed for new users. At present, only trained swimmers, including state and national-level medallists and those selected for the academy through earlier trials, are allowed to use the facility under the supervision of senior swimming coach Ram Sharma.

“Currently, we are allowing only the state and national medallists and those who were selected during the trials for nursery/academy, as state and national tournaments are scheduled for July and August. Around 25 swimmers are using the pool. All efforts are being made to make the pool available for the general public and beginners at the earliest,” said Sharma.

Although a file for a new tender was moved as early as February, procedural delays have held up the process, leaving the facility in limbo. The absence of essential staff such as lifeguards, plant operators and sanitation workers has raised safety concerns, making it unviable to allow beginners or untrained swimmers.

A senior official in the sports department confirmed the surge in public queries: “We are receiving a large number of queries from parents who want their children to start swimming, especially during the holidays. But without basic safety staff, it's simply not possible.”

Congress leader Atul Mahajan criticised the department’s handling of the issue. “The swimming pool was built at a huge cost. It’s unacceptable that people cannot benefit from it due to administrative delays. If the department couldn’t float a fresh tender in time, the previous agency should have been allowed to continue temporarily,” he said.

District Sports Officer Rajbir Singh stated, “We’ve been instructed to open the pool for the public as soon as possible. A file is being moved to temporarily hire the required staff. We need 8–10 personnel, including lifeguards and plant operators. Safety is our top priority.”

Taking note of the complaints, Haryana Cabinet Minister Anil Vij raised the issue with State Sports Minister Gaurav Gautam. “Some children told me they were unable to use the pool. I spoke to the Sports Minister and suggested the government operate the pool directly if tenders are delayed. Action must be taken against officials responsible,” Vij said, adding that the Sports Minister assured a swift resolution.