Ludhiana to get all-weather swimming pool

Ludhiana residents, especially swimming enthusiasts, are in for a treat with the upcoming state-of-the-art swimming pool facility being developed by the Municipal Corporation. This all-weather pool will cater to a wider audience, offering an enhanced recreational space for people of all ages.

A key feature of this new facility is its all-weather capability, allowing children and adults to swim comfortably and safely year-round, regardless of the season. This makes it stand out from existing pools, which are typically operational only during summer months. The pool will feature safety measures such as a maximum depth of five feet to ensure children’s safety.

The construction is expected to be completed by the end of March or mid-April, with a trial period scheduled for April. During this time, the Municipal Corporation will assess the functionality of all systems and features before the pool is open to the public.

Municipal Corporation officials have been closely monitoring the project’s progress, conducting on-site inspections and ensuring adherence to the March 31 deadline. They are also inspecting the pool’s waterproofing to meet necessary standards.

Currently, Ludhiana’s existing swimming pool is open mainly during the summer and closes by October. The introduction of the all-weather pool will expand the availability of recreational swimming, offering a year-round option that will also generate significant revenue for the civic body through user fees.

The idea for an all-weather swimming pool near Rakh Bagh has been discussed for nearly 15 years. Although initial proposals were made, financial constraints delayed the project. However, former Cabinet Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu played a key role in securing funds from the Smart City initiative, making the pool a reality.

The estimated cost of the project is around Rs 6 crore. With its design accommodating swimmers in both summer and winter, the pool will be a valuable addition to Ludhiana’s recreational infrastructure.

The King George Swimming Pool in Rakh Bagh, which was originally designated for children, was closed due to deteriorating conditions and lack of maintenance. Despite attempts to restore the pool, ongoing maintenance issues led to its permanent closure, causing a loss for the community, especially children who used it for recreational activities. The King George Pool, built during the colonial era for British officers, remains a historical landmark, reflecting the era’s architecture and design.

The new all-weather swimming pool is a significant step towards modernising Ludhiana’s recreational facilities. Its child-friendly design and year-round availability make it an ideal destination for families and swimmers, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle for the city’s residents.