The swimming pool planned to be established under Smart Cities Mission in the city would come up near Anna Nagar Uzhavar Sandhai.
The Corporation has recently unveiled several new projects under the Smart City initiative and these included the establishment of a bus stand at Srirangam, parking lot for two-wheelers on Nandhi Kovil Street and establishment of a swimming pool at Anna Nagar - all three of which have been met with a favourable response from the public.
According to Corporation sources, the swimming pool would be established adjacent to the Uzhavar Sandhai at Anna Nagar where more than an acre of Corporation land was available. The modern swimming pool has been planned at an estimated cost of ₹20.95 crore on a total area of 10,746 square metres.
With Anna Nagar already boasting a badminton court and a science park, the establishment of the swimming pool would come as an added attraction for fitness freaks, say residents. “A lot of joggers and walkers use the walkers’ track at the Science Park and the one along Anna Nagar Link Road. The swimming pool will attract more health-conscious residents and it will also be a big draw for children,” said Rajan, a resident.
Currently, children and adults have to depend on the government swimming pool at Anna Stadium, which is far away, or the pools of hotels, he said.
The Corporation’s move to establish a vendors’ market-cum-two wheeler parking lot at the existing maternity centre on Nandhikovil Street has also been welcomed by a section of residents. The entire street is now occupied by vendors, selling an array of products, including vegetables. Besides, the road is also used as a parking lot. By building a complex with shops and parking space for two-wheelers, the Corporation has hit upon a solution for both issues. The building with basement with three floors, to be constructed at an estimated cost of about ₹2.87 crore, would have about 70 shops for vendors and accommodate nearly 180 two-wheelers.
“It is good that the Corporation has come up with a plan to build a complex which will address the long-festering problem of heavy congestion on Nandhi Kovil Street,” said R.Gopal, a resident of K.K.Nagar, who frequents the bazaar.
