Pune: PMC Shuts Down 9 Public Swimming Pools for Repairs

Pune, 12th April 2025: As summer temperatures rise, a significant number of swimming enthusiasts in Pune have been left disappointed after the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) closed 9 out of its 35 public swimming pools for maintenance work. The move has sparked criticism from citizens, who allege a lack of foresight and poor planning by the civic body.

A senior PMC official explained that structural damage and safety concerns led to the closure of the facilities. “Some of the pools had deteriorated significantly. Continuing operations without repair would have posed a risk of accidents or injuries,” the official said, requesting anonymity.

However, regular swimmers and residents are not convinced. Many argue that the timing of the repairs — right at the beginning of summer — defeats the purpose of these public facilities, especially when demand peaks during school vacations.

Citizens point out that PMC-run pools have long been a lifeline for middle-class families who cannot afford private clubs or resort memberships. The now-closed pools are located in prime areas, making them both accessible and convenient for large parts of the population.

Rohan More, an international swimmer and coach, stressed the importance of government-run facilities for talent development. “Civic swimming pools have produced many state and national level players. But if the infrastructure is not maintained or accessible, we’re hampering the growth of future athletes,” he said.

PMC officials clarified that four of the nine closed pools are likely to reopen soon, as the repair work is nearing completion. “The proposals for their reopening are in the final stage. We’re expediting civil and safety-related work so that citizens can use the facilities soon,” said Kishori Shinde, head of PMC’s sports department.

Currently, PMC pools are operated and maintained by third-party contractors who are expected to adhere to safety and hygiene norms. Contractors are required to sign affidavits agreeing to strict compliance, though critics claim enforcement is often lax.

To improve safety and accountability, PMC has roped in the Rashtriya Life Saving Society (India) — RLSS to conduct audits of all public pools.
“We are evaluating not just the physical condition of the pools but the entire operation and tendering system. It’s important to ensure these spaces are managed professionally and not just reactively shut when something goes wrong,” said Kavita Sharma, senior vice president of RLSS.

For now, swimming enthusiasts in Pune will have to adjust their summer plans or crowd into the remaining open pools — unless the civic body speeds up its repair work and makes public facilities truly accessible when they are needed the most.