EARLY TIMES REPORT
JAMMU, Aug 18: The only Olympic size swimming pool of the state at Maulana Azad Sports Stadium, Jammu is under renovation since 2010. I ironically, the state authorities only start renovation work during summers, when it should be opened for members and general public. The swimming pool with diving facility was started in 1993, which is now defunct since 2010, and the authorities are mum on the issue.
Due to the casual approach of the authorities, swimmers are forced to join private clubs, which are more expensive. "I had Joined a private club to continue my routine practice, as this swimming pool is closed for the last three years but it is very expensive to continue with the private club for practice," said Ajay Gupta, a swimmer. "The pools of the private clubs are not of that size which is required for practice to participate in regional level swimming championships. I had missed my regional level participation in 2011, due to non-functional swimming pool," he added.
Swimmers alleged that the authorities do not renovate it throughout the year and start renovation work during the summer session, when it has to be opened for the members and general public. The renovation work is in full swing these days, but the swimmers who were waiting for more than three years has lost the faith on the authorities. "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 Saurab Kapoor, a swimmer. "I was waiting for the stadium to open it this year, but like every, they started renovation work in May," he added. M. S. Baba, Chief Sports officer, when contacted, refused to comment on the issue saying, "I know everything, but the minister has told us not to talk to media." Taj Mohi-ud-din, Minister for youth services and sports said, "I cannot comment on the work done earlier but after taking charge, I have speeded up the work and the swimming pool will be completed very soon." The minister was mum on the instructions given to the officers, not to talk to the media. In 2010, when the work started, the pool needed to be revamped and the process included cleanliness of filtration plant and tankers, modification of a pool. It should not have taken more than six months. |
