Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 17: The swimming pool at Maulana Azad Sports Stadium, Jammu is under renovation since 2010 years, and there is no renovation work going on at the ground.
The only Olympic size swimming pool of Jammu, which was started in 1993, is non-functional since 2010, and the authorities are trying to save themselves by saying that the process of renovation is time consuming, but no renovation work can be seen in the swimming pool.
The swimmers of the winter capital as well as the adjoining areas are suffering due to the casual attitude of the authorities about the swimming pool, and forced to join private clubs, which are more expensive.
"I was forced to join a private club to continue my routine practice, as the swimming pool is closed since 2010 and it is very expensive to continue with the private club for practice," said Akhil Sharma, a swimmer.
"I had missed my regional level participation in 2010, due to non-functional swimming pool, now I am doing my practice, but still waiting for stadium pool to be opened, so that it comes under my budget again," he added.
Some of the swimmers also alleged that the authorities do not renovate it throughout the year and start renovation work during the summer session, when it has to be open for the members and general public.
"All the explanations of the authorities are nothing more than an eye wash, they do not touch the swimming pool throughout the year, and start renovating it in summers," said Sumit Magotra, a swimmer.
"I cannot afford to join private club, and waiting for the stadium to open it as soon as possible, but it doesn't seems to be opened next year," he added.
When the correspondent of Early Times visited the swimming pool, there was a big lock on the gate of the swimming pool and no renovation work was in progress even no one was there to look after the pool.
Earlier, the State Sports Council officials told that the pool is needed to be revamped and the process includes cleanliness of filtration plant, tankers, modification of a pool, and it is a time consuming processes.
Officials in the Maulana Azad Sports Stadium told Early Times that the renovation work started in 2010, but during the renovation process it was noticed that there was some sand erosion inside the floor of the pool, so some experts from Delhi were also invited for suggestions and to monitor the construction work at pool-site adding, it is an Olympic size pool and also have diving facility.
The official further said that there is shortage of funds due to which the work was suspended. Hopefully, funds will be sanctioned soon. |
