Residents of areas around Banashankari 2nd Stage now have a place to cool off. A swimming pool, complete with a fitness centre, was inaugurated by the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in Ganesh Mandir ward here on Tuesday. The inauguration was also part of the ward-level celebration of Kempe Gowda Day.
After inaugurating the swimming pool, Home Minister R. Ashok encouraged citizens to make use of the facility. “Youngsters need not go to tanks and lakes across the city where they risk drowning. Here, swimming will be supervised,” he said.
Water shortage
About the severe water shortage in the city, he said the city's founding father Kempe Gowda had created hundreds of lakes across Bangalore. “Of these, several have disappeared. The Government will honour his memory by protecting the remaining lakes,” he said.
Mr. Ashok said that the new Mayor and the Deputy Mayor would be chosen on April 26.
With an eye on the next Assembly elections, he promised his electorate that the Padmanabhanagar constituency would be one of the best in the city. He said that basic infrastructure and civic amenities will be improved and a park and a free computer training centre would soon be opened.
Mayor Sharadamma urged citizens to maintain cleanliness and hygiene while making the best use of the facilities created by the BBMP.
After the inauguration, an award ceremony was held, rather hurriedly, to suit Mr. Ashok's schedule where 10 senior citizens from the ward were honoured for their contributions to various fields. Prizes were given away to the winners of various competitions that were organised as part of Kempe Gowda Day.
International standards
The 50 m x 20 m swimming pool, which has been leased to Pooja Agencies, is built to international standards. It has changing rooms, a baby pool and a gym. There is a special batch for women. Mohan G., lessee, said: “Coaching by professionals for not just swimming but also yoga, aerobics and table tennis will be given here. This is what sets apart this centre from the other BBMP swimming pools.”
