District pool closed owing to pending bills

Officials have not paid ₹1.5 lakh

The district swimming pool in the Zilla Bal Bhavan premises in the city has been closed as authorities have failed to pay the electricity bills.

The Olympics-size water-sports facility, built in 2009 by the district administration, has added to the sports infrastructure in the district. But it has been closed for nearly two months now, as officials delayed payment of ₹1.5 lakh in electricity bills.

“The government should open the pool immediately. It will be a life-saver in the summer,” says Sunder Raj, senior sportsperson.

“Since it stopped running, the water has not been cleaned. The bathrooms and sitting area needs to be cleaned. Some pipes are rusting and need to be replaced. A summer camp for children and a Statelevel championship should be organised soon,” he said.

“The swimming pool has a non–domestic power supply connection as it is a public place. We could not wait any longer,” a GESCOM officer said.

“Bills are being processed and will be paid soon. The pool will be opened after that,” assistant director of youth services and sports, R.G. Nadiger said.