The summer holidays are in full swing, but 10 Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC)-run swimming pools and 38 sports complexes remain closed for residents due to various reasons. The PMC operates 35 swimming pools across the city and 108 sports complexes in 15 civic wards.
Sources from the PMC stated that these facilities are not operational because of repair and maintenance work and the non-renewal of contracts with operators. For instance, two swimming pools in the Aundh and Pashan areas are shut for repairs, while a similar facility in Yerawada has not functioned for several months. The PMC recently closed a swimming pool in the Rasta Peth-Somwar Peth area temporarily over technical reasons.
This closure has caused displeasure among swimming enthusiasts, with unhappy residents from different areas stating that the civic administration should ensure such places function during summer holidays. Akash Shinde, who frequently visits PMC-run swimming pools, said the civic body should have completed repairs and maintenance before summer. "My friends and I often visit a swimming pool in the Somwar Peth area during summer, but the facility has been shut abruptly since the last few days. PMC should sort out technical issues on priority," Shinde said.
Explaining the reasons behind the closures, a PMC official who spoke on condition of anonymity said some swimming pools are shut for long periods for major repairs. "We are in the process of completing the repairs, but it will take time. The contractors have been asked to expedite the works. Some swimming pools are shut because of non-renewal of contracts," the official said.
Leader of the house in PMC, Ganesh Bidkar, recently asked the administration to conduct a detailed audit of PMC-run swimming pools after receiving complaints of overcharging from citizens. Bidkar said that considering the increased rush at these pools during holidays, all facilities should run properly with adequate safety and security measures. However, this has not translated on the ground.
Corporator Gaurav Ghule, who sought information from the administration about the status of PMC-run sports complexes, said, "The civic administration should explain why there have been delays in renewal of various contracts. PMC must ensure that all these facilities operate at full capacity during holidays."
