Come summer, and swimming pools in Old City are the most-sought-after recreation spots. Thanks to the closing down of many ‘bowli’s (wells), swimming pools are the in-thing there.
In the last few years, many private swimming pools have come up cashing in on the demand. Most of these are in new areas as they require a lot of space.
Earlier, the GHMC swimming pool at Moghalpura alone catered for people. Though the facility still draws crowds, it is open only during morning hours. As a result, people are turning towards private swimming pools or the one at the Salar-e-Millat sports complex at Chandulal Baradari.
“We are organising batches only in the morning hours, and because of local issues we are not able to run in the evenings,” says R. Sudharshan, chief coach at the Moghalpura swimming pool.
However, the local residents strongly feel that the timing should be revised in view of the summer season.
The swimming pool at the Salar-e-Millat sports complex is the latest addition and quite popular going by the response from the public. Batches are organised here for four hours in the morning and three hours in the evening. In the afternoon, three hours are reserved for children aged below eight years.
Opened two years ago, it is pretty modern. It was constructed on the ground floor of the sports complex, and as many as eight coaches are on hand to guide swimmers.
“We regularly change water and filter it to ensure health and hygiene,” says Syed Iqbal, chief coach. Invariably, the fee of Rs. 500 per month collected at GHMC-managed swimming pools is turning out to be a bane for many.
“The rates should be less considering the financial status of people in this part of the city and since it is a government facility,” feels Abdul Haq, a resident of Moghalpura.
People feel that the evening timings should be extended considering that private swimming pools are open till late night for the convenience of people.
