The much awaited government’s pool facility at the only stadium in this winter capital of the state has finally been thrown open for the swimmers but with an “injury prone” flooring.
Swimming Pool at Maulana Azad Stadium is the lone facility being looked after by the government under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir State Sports Council. Apart from flooring being in the shambles, the facility also lacks ‘kids zone’, the major requisite in the pools and the shed.
Despite UNI's April 19 report highlighting the concerns of sewerage, flooring, contaminated water and filthy surroundings but, no action was initiated by the state headed sports body.
Pertinent to mention here that Advisor to Governor K Vijay Kumar, who is also in-charge, Youth Services and Sports, in December last year announced that a special ‘Sports Task Force’ will soon be introduced to keep check on utilization and distribution of funds, but the proposal remained shelved in papers and yet to get wings.
“Opening of swimming pool in April or May is an annual procedure and the facility remains functional for 4 to 5 months,” sources in the J&K State Sports Council said.
For seven to eight months, there is no swimming activity and the pool remains abandoned, adding, “it is really surprising that in this period, the pool was not repaired, got facelift and suddenly thrown open for the swimmers.”
“How could the government body make mockery of the system? When you have resources, funds and surplus is being allocated by the Centre for sports welfare, where does the money go?” they questioned.
“If a small portion of flooring cannot be repaired, then how can we expect that sports in Jammu and Kashmir to be taken to new heights?” rued a parent.
He added that the flooring is “injury prone” as it is rough, broken and bumpy and said, ''It can be troublesome for the swimmers''.
Meanwhile, the parents also criticised the concerned department for not introducing the ‘kids zone’ in the swimming pool as it is one of the mandatory requirements.
“Every pool has different depth zones, including one for kids and beginners, but surprisingly, the pool at the stadium has no such facility available inspite of the concern brought to the notice of those who were at helm of affairs in the recent past,” they claimed.
As per Swimming Federation of India (SFI), the dimensions of the swimming pool must be that most rectangular pools are about twice as long on one side as they are on the other, with an average depth of around 5.5 feet. (Typical swimming pool dimensions are 10 x 20, 15 x 30 and 20 x 40).
The guidelines also say that a children’s play pool (especially beginners) should be from 0.3 to 1.2 m (1 to 4 ft) deep.
The parents also rued, that being located close to the roadside (Tawi bridge) uncovered pool sometimes embarrasses swimmers especially the girls, adding, “the pool should have been at least covered from all sides and had shed but every concern was cornered.”
“In short, the prevailing condition of the swimming pool, either it is flooring, shed, surroundings—clears government’s intention towards promoting sports in the state,” alleged an official pleading anonymity.