Widely acclaimed as ‘all weather’ national standard swimming pool, the upgraded much awaited swimming facility at sports hub of MA Stadium in Jammu is yet to develop the temperature regulation system to become ‘All-Season Pool’.
Despite an investment of around Rs four crores and over seven years of time taken to upgrade the existing swimming facility, the J&K Sports Council (JKSC) failed in efforts to make the pool an all weather training facility in the Union Territory.
“Who told you that the swimming pool is an all weather facility, it has just got the cover to reduce its normal closer period by two months. The swimming pool shall remain closed for three winter months because of it being a normal pool,” informed senior official of the Engineering Wing of the JKSC on the condition of anonymity.
Learners’ facility yet to open
Despite lot of investment in its upgradation, the only swimming training facility in Jammu Division is yet to begin with its learners’ facility, adjoining the pool. “Since the learner pool is exposed to the nearby skating rink, the facility poses risk to those youngsters. Since, we are in the process of raising a protection wall to avoid any untoward incident, it will take some time to open the facility,” said the official associated with the construction.
No trained individuals
With only coach to train and guide swimming enthusiasts across four different training timings spread in the morning and evening session, there hardly seems any trained guard engaged atthe facility. However, a couple of ground men have been deputed, posing as lifeguards, with little technical knowhow.
Pool without lady guard
In view of lack of lady guard deputed at the swimming pool, those female learners continue to train at the risk of their lives. The only lady guard, appointed on permanent basis decade ago by the JKSC, continue to work in the offices.
Trained administer at MAStadium
Paying little attention towards the administration of the Swimming training facility, the JKSC has posted the only trained ground supervision, now Assistant Manager, at MA Stadium without any logic. Since the swimming coach, Vikas Magotra, who also holds charge of Manager Mini Stadium Parade, needs someone experienced to look after the pool administration and day to day affairs, the administration should not waste time to depute the person.
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