Gadag-Betgeri stands out as perhaps the sole city in Karnataka boasting four swimming pools maintained by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYES). With the department introducing coaching camps and concessional passes for regular visitors, thousands of swimmers, including children and women, are making extensive use of these facilities.
Pool Infrastructure and Usage
Sharanu Gogeri, assistant director of DYES in Gadag, told TOI that all four pools—KH Patil District Stadium Swimming Pool, Nandishwar Nagar Swimming Pool, Rajiv Gandhi Nagar Swami Vivekanand Swimming Pool, and Vasantsingh Jamadar Nagar Swimming Pool—were constructed by the Gadag-Betgeri City Municipal Council and handed over to DYES a few years ago. “Since we have kept a nominal fee of Rs 50 for 45 minutes and maintain them with all standard operating procedures, people are turning up in crowds. We are witnessing about 400 swimmers from Monday to Friday, about 600 on Saturdays, and about 1,000 on Sundays in April and May. For regular swimmers, we offer a monthly pass for Rs 1,000,” he stated.
Coaching Camps and Special Provisions
Gogeri further said, “We are also conducting 21-day coaching camps for children, women, and the public in separate batches at a price of Rs 3,000 per person. We have appointed qualified coaches at all pools. We have reserved two evening batches for women. Many of our swimmers are participating and bringing laurels to the city. Residents, even from neighboring towns and villages, are also visiting the pools to escape the summer heat.”
Public Response and Suggestions
Vishwanath Khanapur, president of Gadag Zilla Vikas Vedike, said these pools have been an oasis for middle-class people. “Gadag is deprived of lakes, streams, and rivers, so people depend on swimming pools. Though the fee is economical for the public, DYES should reduce it to Rs 30 for primary and high school students,” he opined.
Manasa Godachappanavar, a college student, recalled paying over Rs 100 per 45 minutes at private pools. “We are utilizing the same service at 50% fee. The only thing is that DYES should appoint female coaches for female swimmers and trainers,” she opined.
